Ferris Wheels and Trigonometry -Part 2
Investigation Week 4
The world's largest Indoor Ferris Wheel is located at the ToysRus store in Times Square New York. It
has the following dimensions: Watch this actual Ferris Wheel here: http://youtu.be/qc4IKTi7w3U
ground level
(measurements written are in mm), details obtained from here: http://www.technicalpark.com/ferris_wheel_17_mt.htm
For the Carriage highlighted on this Ferris Wheel that rotates anticlockwise
a) draw a graph of the vertical height above the ground VS angle of rotation
b) draw a graph of the horizontal distance from the centre VS angle of rotation
c) state the function equation for each
d) describe the effect of the phase shift, amplitude, vertical translation and period with regards to
the context of this particular Ferris Wheel.
This applet may help you with this investigation:
http://www.ies.co.jp/math/java/trig/kanran/kanran.html
e) SPECIALIST students only: The Great Beijing Wheel would be the World's largest Ferris Wheel.
Originally scheduled to open in 2008, it has continued to have several major building delays. When
complete it would have a height: 208m, diameter: 198m, capsules: 48 carrying 40 passengers each,
rotation speed: 20 minutes/revolution, maximum capacity: 5760 passengers/hour. Demonstrate
how you would change your ToysRus Ferris Wheel functions to replicate the movement of the Great
Beijing Wheel.
Trigonometry Investigation Week 4
Course notes: 2012
Date updated: 09-Jul-12
P a g e |1