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?

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

---

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

---

### Steps:

1. **Define variables:**
   - Let \(d\) 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:
     \[
     \tan(\theta_1) = \frac{h}{d}.
     \]

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

3. **Set up equations for \(h\):**
   - From the first point:
     \[
     h = d \cdot \tan(\theta_1).
     \]

   - From the second point:
     \[
     h = (d - 1000) \cdot \tan(\theta_2).
     \]

4. **Equate the two expressions for \(h\):**
   \[
   d \cdot \tan(\theta_1) = (d - 1000) \cdot \tan(\theta_2).
   \]

5. **Solve for \(d\):**
   Expand and rearrange:
   \[
   d \cdot \tan(\theta_1) = d \cdot \tan(\theta_2) - 1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2).
   \]
   Factor \(d\):
   \[
   d (\tan(\theta_1) - \tan(\theta_2)) = 1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2).
   \]
   Solve for \(d\):
   \[
   d = \frac{1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2)}{\tan(\theta_1) - \tan(\theta_2)}.
   \]

6. **Substitute \(d\) back to find \(h\):**
   Use \(h = d \cdot \tan(\theta_1)\):
   \[
   h = \frac{1000 \cdot \tan(\theta_2)}{\tan(\theta_1) - \tan(\theta_2)} \cdot \tan(\theta_1).
   \]

---

### Final Calculation:
Plug in the given angles \( \theta_1 \) and \( \theta_2 \) to find \(h\). Could you share the values of \( \theta_1 \) and \( \theta_2 \)? This will allow for precise numerical results.

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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.

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 θ1. From a point 1000 feet closer to the mountain along the plain, they find that the angle of elevation is θ2. How high (in feet) is the mountain?

Learn how to calculate the height of a mountain using angles of elevation and trigonometric principles. This detailed solution includes key formulas, such as tangent ratios, and step-by-step guidance for solving the problem. Suitable for high school students in Grades 9-12.

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