Math Problem Statement
Assuming that a 390390-foot tall giant redwood grows vertically, if I walk a certain distance from the tree and measure the angle of elevation to the top of the tree to be 49°49°, how far from the base of the tree am I? round to 4 decimal places
Solution
This problem involves solving for the distance from the base of the tree using trigonometry. Given the height of the tree () and the angle of elevation (), we can apply the tangent function from trigonometry.
Step-by-Step Solution:
The tangent of an angle in a right triangle is defined as:
Where:
- The "opposite" side is the height of the tree ().
- The "adjacent" side is the distance from the base of the tree () that we need to find.
Rearranging the equation to solve for :
Now, substitute the known values into the equation:
I'll calculate the value of for you.The distance from the base of the tree is approximately , rounded to four decimal places.
Would you like more details or have any questions?
Here are five related questions to explore:
- How would the distance change if the angle of elevation were smaller?
- How do different trigonometric functions relate to angles in right triangles?
- What is the relationship between height, distance, and angle in real-world applications?
- How do changes in angle of elevation affect the apparent size of tall objects?
- How can we measure the height of a tree without knowing the angle of elevation?
Tip: When dealing with trigonometry, ensure that the angle is in the correct unit (degrees or radians) before applying trigonometric functions!
Ask a new question for Free
By Image
Drop file here or Click Here to upload
Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Trigonometry
Right Triangle Geometry
Formulas
tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
d = h / tan(θ)
Theorems
Tangent function in right triangles
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
Related Recommendation
Find Distance Using Trigonometry: Angle of Elevation Problem
Calculating Distance from a Tree Using Trigonometry
Calculating the Distance from a Tree Using Trigonometry (350-Foot Redwood)
Find the Height of a Tree Using Trigonometry (49 Degree Angle of Elevation)
Trigonometric Solution to Find Distance Using Angle of Elevation and Height of a Tree