Math Problem Statement

The top of a vertical pole 43 ft. high is sighted horizontally from a point 150 ft. from its base up the sloping site of a hill on which it rests. What angle does the sloping site make with the pole?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the angle between the sloping site and the vertical pole. We are given:

  • The height of the pole is 43ft43 \, \text{ft}.
  • The horizontal distance from the observer to the base of the pole is 150ft150 \, \text{ft}.

We will use the tangent function to find the angle θ\theta between the slope and the pole. Here's the reasoning:

Step 1: Right Triangle Setup

The pole is vertical, and the observer sees it from a point that is horizontally 150ft150 \, \text{ft} away from its base. The line from the observer to the top of the pole forms a right triangle. The vertical leg is the height of the pole 43ft43 \, \text{ft}, and the horizontal leg is 150ft150 \, \text{ft}.

In this right triangle:

  • The opposite side to the angle θ\theta is the height of the pole, which is 43ft43 \, \text{ft}.
  • The adjacent side is the horizontal distance from the observer to the pole's base, which is 150ft150 \, \text{ft}.

Step 2: Tangent Function

The tangent of the angle θ\theta is given by:

tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent=43150\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}} = \frac{43}{150}

tan(θ)=0.2867\tan(\theta) = 0.2867

Step 3: Solving for θ\theta

To find the angle θ\theta, take the arctangent (inverse tangent) of 0.2867:

θ=tan1(0.2867)\theta = \tan^{-1}(0.2867)

Using a calculator, we find:

θ16.04\theta \approx 16.04^\circ

Thus, the angle that the sloping site makes with the pole is approximately 16.0416.04^\circ.

Do you need more details or have any further questions?


Here are 5 related questions to expand on this:

  1. How would the angle change if the height of the pole increased?
  2. What happens to the angle if the distance from the observer to the pole’s base is halved?
  3. Can you calculate the hypotenuse of the triangle formed by the pole, base, and observer?
  4. How would you adjust the calculation if the site had a horizontal angle different from 90°?
  5. How does this concept relate to real-life applications in construction or surveying?

Tip: When dealing with trigonometric problems, always ensure you have a clear understanding of which sides of the triangle correspond to opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse based on the angle you are trying to find.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle
Angle of Elevation

Formulas

Tangent function: tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent
Arctangent (Inverse tangent): θ = tan^(-1)(opposite/adjacent)

Theorems

Basic Trigonometric Theorems in Right Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11