Math Problem Statement

From her eye, which stands 1.66 meters above the ground, Deondra measures the angle of elevation to the top of a prominent skyscraper to be 70degrees∘. If she is standing at a horizontal distance of 276 meters from the base of the skyscraper, what is the height of the skyscraper? Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a meter if necessary.

Solution

To find the height of the skyscraper, we can use trigonometry. Specifically, we use the tangent function, which relates the angle of elevation to the opposite and adjacent sides of a right triangle.

The formula for tangent is:

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

Variables:

  • θ=70\theta = 70^\circ (angle of elevation)
  • Adjacent side = 276 m (horizontal distance)
  • Opposite side = height of the skyscraper above Deondra's eye line (haboveh_{\text{above}})

Step 1: Solve for haboveh_{\text{above}}

From the tangent formula: habove=tan(70)×276h_{\text{above}} = \tan(70^\circ) \times 276

First, calculate tan(70)\tan(70^\circ): tan(70)2.7475\tan(70^\circ) \approx 2.7475

Now, calculate haboveh_{\text{above}}: habove=2.7475×276758.3mh_{\text{above}} = 2.7475 \times 276 \approx 758.3 \, \text{m}

Step 2: Add Deondra's height to find the total height

Deondra's eye is 1.66 m above the ground, so the total height of the skyscraper is: htotal=habove+1.66h_{\text{total}} = h_{\text{above}} + 1.66 htotal=758.3+1.66=759.96mh_{\text{total}} = 758.3 + 1.66 = 759.96 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The height of the skyscraper is approximately: 760.0m\boxed{760.0 \, \text{m}}

Let me know if you'd like further clarification or details! 😊


Expanding questions:

  1. How would the height change if the angle of elevation were 6060^\circ?
  2. What trigonometric identity relates tangent to sine and cosine?
  3. How do you find the horizontal distance if the height and angle of elevation are given?
  4. If Deondra stood at 150 m from the skyscraper, what would her angle of elevation be?
  5. What role does precision in angle measurement play in this type of calculation?

Tip: Remember, in real-world scenarios, always account for measurement errors and ensure proper instrument calibration!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angle of Elevation
Right Triangle

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
Total Height = h_above + Observer's Height

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios in Right Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12