We have to figure out how big the parachute needs to be to jump off the side of a canyon on mars and live.

Given:

The canyon side is 5 miles high.

Mars acceleration of gravity equals 0.39 that of earth or 12.54 ft/sec/sec.

We are supposed to use a few equations with these variables:

If acceleration is constant, then it follows that the downward velocity V an object experiences at any time t after the start of the fall is given by:

V=g t

where V=velocity (m/sec)

t=time (sec)

g=acceleration due to gravity= 12.54 ft/sec/sec for Mars

One can also show that the distance d fallen after time t is:

d= 1/2 gt^2

where d=distance fallen (ft)

g=12.54 ft/sec/sec for Mars

t=time (sec)

Weight = Drag

W=mg = D

where W=weight

m=mass

g=acceleration of gravity

Last equation: D=1/2PV^2SCd

D=drag

P=atmospheric density

v=velocity

S=cross sectional area

cd =drag coefficient, dimensionless number, relates to the shape of the object.

I got lost because many variables I needed seemed not given.