Math Problem Statement

A horizontal distance of 325.75 m is to be established along a line that slopes at a vertical angle of 13" 06. What slope distance (in meters) should be laid out?

Solution

To solve this problem, we need to determine the slope distance when the horizontal distance is 325.75 meters and the slope is given as 13 minutes and 6 seconds (denoted as 130613' 06'').

Formula:

The relationship between the horizontal distance DhD_h, slope distance DsD_s, and the vertical angle θ\theta is:

Ds=Dhcos(θ)D_s = \frac{D_h}{\cos(\theta)}

Where:

  • DsD_s = Slope distance (what we are solving for)
  • DhD_h = Horizontal distance (325.75 meters)
  • θ\theta = Slope angle

Step 1: Convert angle to degrees

The given angle is 130613' 06''. We convert this into decimal degrees: θ=13+660=13+0.1=13.1 minutes\theta = 13 + \frac{6}{60} = 13 + 0.1 = 13.1 \text{ minutes} Now, convert minutes into degrees: θ=13.160 degrees0.21833 degrees\theta = \frac{13.1}{60} \text{ degrees} \approx 0.21833 \text{ degrees}

Step 2: Calculate the cosine of the angle

cos(θ)=cos(0.21833)\cos(\theta) = \cos(0.21833^\circ)

Step 3: Apply the formula

Finally, plug the values into the formula to get the slope distance:

Ds=325.75cos(0.21833)D_s = \frac{325.75}{\cos(0.21833^\circ)}

I'll calculate this next.The slope distance that should be laid out is approximately 325.75 meters.

It appears that the small angle had a negligible effect on the distance, resulting in a slope distance almost identical to the horizontal distance.

Would you like further details or have any questions? Here are 5 related questions to consider:

  1. How is the vertical angle typically measured in surveying?
  2. What are other ways to calculate slope distance if the angle is larger?
  3. How would the result change if the angle were in degrees instead of minutes and seconds?
  4. Why is it important to account for slope distance in practical surveying applications?
  5. What is the difference between horizontal and slope distance in field measurements?

Tip: Small angles like the one in this problem often lead to negligible differences between horizontal and slope distances, but for larger angles, the difference becomes more significant.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angle conversion
Cosine function

Formulas

D_s = D_h / cos(θ)

Theorems

Trigonometric relationship between horizontal and slope distance

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12