Math Problem Statement

A ski run is 1475 m long. The difference in altitude from the beginning to the end of the run is 350 m. Find the average angle that the hill makes with the horizontal. Round to the nearest tenth of a degree.

Solution

To find the average angle θ\theta that the hill makes with the horizontal, we can use trigonometry. Specifically, we use the sine function because we know the opposite side (the difference in altitude) and the hypotenuse (the length of the ski run).

Given:

  • Length of the ski run (hypotenuse): 1475m1475 \, \text{m}
  • Difference in altitude (opposite side): 350m350 \, \text{m}

We can use the sine relation: sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse=3501475\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{350}{1475}

First, calculate the ratio: sin(θ)=35014750.2373\sin(\theta) = \frac{350}{1475} \approx 0.2373

Next, find the angle θ\theta by taking the inverse sine (also known as arcsin): θ=sin1(0.2373)\theta = \sin^{-1}(0.2373)

Using a calculator: θ13.7\theta \approx 13.7^\circ

Thus, the average angle that the hill makes with the horizontal is approximately 13.7 degrees.

Would you like more details or have any further questions?

Here are 5 related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How would the angle change if the ski run was longer but the altitude difference remained the same?
  2. How do you calculate the horizontal distance of the ski run using the angle and the length of the ski run?
  3. What would be the angle if the difference in altitude was 500 meters?
  4. How can you use trigonometric functions to calculate the time it takes to complete the ski run?
  5. How does the steepness of a slope affect skiing speed?

Tip: Always use inverse trigonometric functions to find angles when you know the ratio of the sides.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle
Inverse Trigonometric Functions

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
θ = sin^(-1)(opposite / hypotenuse)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem (implicit)
Inverse Sine Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11