Math Problem Statement
Solution
To determine the width of the river (distance from point to point on the opposite bank), we can use trigonometry, as the problem provides two angles of elevation and the distance between poles and (100 m).
Let's break down the solution step-by-step:
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Define the Variables and Set Up Triangles:
- Let represent the height of both poles and .
- is the width of the river (the horizontal distance from to ).
- The angle of elevation from to the top of pole is .
- The angle of elevation from to the top of pole is .
- The distance between and is 100 m.
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Use the Tangent Function: For the two angles of elevation, we can set up the following equations based on the tangent of each angle:
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Solve for in Terms of : From the first equation:
Substitute this expression for in the second equation:
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Expand and Solve for : Distribute :
Rearrange to isolate :
Now, solve for :
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Calculate : Substitute the values for the tangents (using approximate values for simplicity):
Conclusion
The width of the river is approximately 576.8 meters.
Would you like more details on any part of this calculation or have further questions?
Related Questions:
- How would the result change if the angles were closer together?
- Could we solve this problem with other trigonometric functions, like sine or cosine?
- How does the distance between poles and affect the result?
- What would happen if the poles were of different heights?
- How accurate would the measurement be if angles were rounded?
Tip:
Always check for alternate approaches using trigonometric identities for complex angle-based problems.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Trigonometry
Angle of Elevation
Tangent Function
Formulas
tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
d = (100 * tan(19°)) / (tan(22°) - tan(19°))
Theorems
Trigonometric Ratios
Right Triangle Properties
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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