Math Problem Statement

A survey team is trying to estimate the height of a mountain above a level plain. From one point on the plain, they observe that the angle of elevation to the top of the mountain is . From a point 1000 feet closer to the mountain along the plain, they find that the angle of elevation is . How high (in feet) is the mountain?

Solution

To determine the height of the mountain (hh) using the given information, we'll use trigonometric principles. Let’s set up the problem mathematically.


Given:

  1. First observation point: Angle of elevation θ1\theta_1.
  2. Second observation point: 1000 feet closer to the mountain, angle of elevation θ2\theta_2.
  3. The goal is to calculate the height of the mountain (hh).

Steps:

  1. Define variables:

    • Let dd be the horizontal distance from the first observation point to the base of the mountain.
  2. Using the tangent function:

    • From the first observation point: tan(θ1)=hd.\tan(\theta_1) = \frac{h}{d}.

    • From the second observation point (1000 feet closer): tan(θ2)=hd1000.\tan(\theta_2) = \frac{h}{d - 1000}.

  3. Set up equations for hh:

    • From the first point: h=dtan(θ1).h = d \cdot \tan(\theta_1).

    • From the second point: h=(d1000)tan(θ2).h = (d - 1000) \cdot \tan(\theta_2).

  4. Equate the two expressions for hh: dtan(θ1)=(d1000)tan(θ2).d \cdot \tan(\theta_1) = (d - 1000) \cdot \tan(\theta_2).

  5. Solve for dd: Expand and rearrange: dtan(θ1)=dtan(θ2)1000tan(θ2).d \cdot \tan(\theta_1) = d \cdot \tan(\theta_2) - 1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2). Factor dd: d(tan(θ1)tan(θ2))=1000tan(θ2).d (\tan(\theta_1) - \tan(\theta_2)) = 1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2). Solve for dd: d=1000tan(θ2)tan(θ1)tan(θ2).d = \frac{1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2)}{\tan(\theta_1) - \tan(\theta_2)}.

  6. Substitute dd back to find hh: Use h=dtan(θ1)h = d \cdot \tan(\theta_1): h=1000tan(θ2)tan(θ1)tan(θ2)tan(θ1).h = \frac{1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2)}{\tan(\theta_1) - \tan(\theta_2)} \cdot \tan(\theta_1).


Final Calculation:

Plug in the given angles θ1\theta_1 and θ2\theta_2 to find hh. Could you share the values of θ1\theta_1 and θ2\theta_2? This will allow for precise numerical results.


If you have any questions, let me know! Here are 5 related questions for further exploration:

  1. What other trigonometric methods could be used to solve this problem?
  2. How does the distance between the observation points affect the accuracy of height estimation?
  3. What are other real-world applications of this method?
  4. How does atmospheric refraction affect angle measurements in real surveys?
  5. Could we solve this problem using a different approach, such as the Law of Sines or Cosines?

Tip: Always check for unit consistency when solving real-world trigonometry problems.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angle of Elevation
Tangent Function
Distance Calculation

Formulas

tan(θ1) = h / d
tan(θ2) = h / (d - 1000)
d = (1000 * tan(θ2)) / (tan(θ1) - tan(θ2))
h = d * tan(θ1)

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12