ISSUES IN SOLUTION

This is a complex problem and the common (incorrect) assumption is to assume that even on the hill the angle of elevation with the horizontal is Pi/4 radians or 45 degrees for maximal range. But the student who uses this angle gets good results. However, if the target is moved out as far as the predicted maximum ranges for angle of elevation of Pi/4 radians (i.e., 3030.5 ft, then with a different angle (0.61507 radians) the catapult can hit the target as far out as 3247.6 ft.

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