Math Problem Statement
A building with an observation tower at the top of the building, sits on a cliff. From point P, 543 ft away from the cliff’s base on the ground, the angle of elevation to the top of the cliff is 56.8sa029-1.jpg. The angle of elevation to the top of the building is 72.4sa029-2.jpg. How tall is the building, to the nearest foot?
Solution
We will calculate the height of the building by using trigonometry. Here's the breakdown of the problem:
-
Known Information:
- Distance from point to the base of the cliff = .
- Angle of elevation to the top of the cliff = .
- Angle of elevation to the top of the building = .
-
Unknowns:
- Height of the cliff ().
- Height of the building above the cliff ().
- Total height of the building ().
Step 1: Find the height of the cliff ()
Using the tangent function: Rearrange to solve for :
Step 2: Find the height to the top of the building ()
Using the tangent function again: Rearrange to solve for :
Step 3: Find the height of the building ()
Let’s calculate. math
Given values
distance = 543 # ft angle_cliff = math.radians(56.8) # Convert to radians angle_building = math.radians(72.4) # Convert to radians
Height of the cliff
h_cliff = distance * math.tan(angle_cliff)
Total height (cliff + building)
h_total = distance * math.tan(angle_building)
Height of the building
h_building = h_total - h_cliff
h_cliff, h_total, h_building### Results:
- Height of the cliff (): (rounded to the nearest foot).
- Total height to the top of the building (): (rounded to the nearest foot).
- Height of the building (): (rounded to the nearest foot).
Thus, the height of the building is approximately .
Would you like me to explain any step in more detail?
Here are 5 questions to deepen understanding:
- What does the tangent function represent in this context?
- How does the distance between point and the cliff affect the calculations?
- What other methods could we use to calculate the building's height?
- How would the problem change if the angles were measured in radians instead of degrees?
- What practical applications might this method of calculation have in real life?
Tip: Always ensure your calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians) when solving trigonometric problems.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Trigonometry
Tangent Function
Right-Angle Triangles
Formulas
tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
h_c = 543 * tan(56.8°)
h_total = 543 * tan(72.4°)
h_b = h_total - h_c
Theorems
Tangent function properties
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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