Can someone help me finish this ramp/incline problem? (A wheelchair ramp is to be rated at 8%, which means that it rises 8 cm for every 100 cm of horizontal distance. The height of the ramp is 35 cm. I have just found the length of the ramp, 438.9 cm and the angle the ramp makes with the horizontal, 4.57 degrees.) Here's where I need help: To what minimum length should the ramp be extended to meet government regulations of a maximum 3% incline?

Question

anonymous · Answer

I don't know if I am reading the problem incorrectly, but it seems like you can't get a 3% incline just by adding length, you would have to change the angle of the ramp

anonymous · Answer

yeah... that's why I posted it here. I'm just sorta stuck

anonymous · Answer

actually i think i might have it, one second

anonymous · Answer

This could be what its looking for,   rating = height/length  with height = 35. Just solve for the new length with your desired rating. And determine the difference afterward

anonymous · Answer

So like 0.03 = 35/x?

anonymous · Answer

yup, and solving for x should give you the length of the ramp for a 3% rating

anonymous · Answer

seems legit - I got about 1170 cm, which looks right. thanks!

anonymous · Answer

glad i could help :)