A simple model for the hull of a ship is given by

where B is the beam, L is the length, and T is the draft. (Note: There are two values of y for each x and z because the hull is symmetric from starboard to port.)

The cross-sectional area at a point x is called the “section” in nautical parlance. To compute it, let z go from 0 to –T in n increments, each of size T ∕ n. For each value of z, compute the value for y. Then sum the areas of trapezoidal strips. At right are the strips where n = 4. Write a program that reads in values for B, L, T, x, and n and then prints out the cross-sectional area at x.

2x 1-