Math Problem Statement

25 The shadow of a vertical tower is 60 m long at some instant. If the length of the tower is 20√3 m, find the Sun’s altitude at that instant. 2

Solution

To find the Sun's altitude at the given instant, we can use the concept of trigonometry. The tangent of the Sun's altitude is given by the ratio of the height of the tower to the length of its shadow. Let's calculate this step-by-step:

Step 1: Write the tangent relation

tan(θ)=Height of the towerLength of the shadow\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{Height of the tower}}{\text{Length of the shadow}}

Where:

  • Height of the tower = 20320\sqrt{3} m
  • Length of the shadow = 6060 m

tan(θ)=20360\tan(\theta) = \frac{20\sqrt{3}}{60}

Step 2: Simplify the ratio

tan(θ)=33\tan(\theta) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

Step 3: Find θ\theta (Sun's altitude)

The angle θ\theta is the angle whose tangent is 33\frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}. From trigonometric tables or unit circle values, we know:

tan(30)=33\tan(30^\circ) = \frac{\sqrt{3}}{3}

Thus, the Sun's altitude, θ\theta, is 3030^\circ.

Final Answer:

The Sun’s altitude at that instant is 3030^\circ.


Do you want more details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. What is the tangent of a 4545^\circ angle, and how can it be used in shadow problems?
  2. If the shadow length changes to 50 m, what would the Sun's altitude be for the same tower?
  3. Derive the relationship between shadow length and Sun’s altitude for a given height.
  4. How does the height of an object affect the angle of elevation for a fixed shadow length?
  5. Solve a similar problem with a tower height of 30 m and a shadow length of 90 m.

Tip: For trigonometric problems, always check the standard values for sine, cosine, and tangent to simplify your calculations quickly.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angles of Elevation
Ratios

Formulas

tan(θ) = Opposite/Adjacent

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratio Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-11