The shape of a cable hanging with no load other than its own weight is a catenary curve. A particular bridge cable is described by the catenary y(x) = 10 cosh[(x – 20)/10] for 0 ≤ x ≤ 50, where x and y are the horizontal and vertical coordinates measured in feet. (See Figure P29.) It is desired to hang plastic sheeting from the cable to protect passersby while the bridge is being repainted. Use MuPAD to determine how many square feet of sheeting are required. Assume that the bottom edge of the sheeting is located along the x axis at y = 0.
Figure P29.
