Math Problem Statement

A lighthouse sits at the edge of a cliff, as shown. A ship at sea level is 980 meters from the base of the cliff. The angle of elevation from sea level to the base of the lighthouse is 47.3\deg . The angle of elevation from sea level to the top of the lighthouse is 51.3\deg . Find the height of the lighthouse from the top of the cliff. Do not round any intermediate computations. Round your answer to the nearest tenth. Note that the figure below is not drawn to scale.

Solution

To solve this problem, we'll break it down into steps using trigonometry. Here's a step-by-step approach:

Step 1: Define the variables

  • Let h1h_1 be the height of the cliff.
  • Let h2h_2 be the height of the lighthouse from the top of the cliff.
  • The total height of the lighthouse from sea level is h1+h2h_1 + h_2.

Step 2: Use the angle of elevation to the base of the lighthouse

Using the tangent function for the angle of elevation to the base of the lighthouse: tan(47.3)=h1980\tan(47.3^\circ) = \frac{h_1}{980} h1=980×tan(47.3)h_1 = 980 \times \tan(47.3^\circ)

Step 3: Use the angle of elevation to the top of the lighthouse

Similarly, using the tangent function for the angle of elevation to the top of the lighthouse: tan(51.3)=h1+h2980\tan(51.3^\circ) = \frac{h_1 + h_2}{980} h1+h2=980×tan(51.3)h_1 + h_2 = 980 \times \tan(51.3^\circ)

Step 4: Solve for h2h_2

We can find h2h_2 by subtracting the equation for h1h_1 from the equation for h1+h2h_1 + h_2: h2=980×tan(51.3)980×tan(47.3)h_2 = 980 \times \tan(51.3^\circ) - 980 \times \tan(47.3^\circ)

Step 5: Calculate the value of h2h_2

Let's compute the values.

h1=980×tan(47.3)h_1 = 980 \times \tan(47.3^\circ) h2=980×(tan(51.3)tan(47.3))h_2 = 980 \times (\tan(51.3^\circ) - \tan(47.3^\circ))

Now, I'll perform the calculations.The height of the lighthouse from the top of the cliff is approximately 161.2 meters, rounded to the nearest tenth.

Would you like more details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How would the result change if the distance from the ship to the cliff increased?
  2. What if the angles of elevation were smaller? How would that affect the height?
  3. Can you determine the total height of the lighthouse from sea level?
  4. How can this method be applied to find the height of a mountain?
  5. What would happen if the angle to the base and the top were the same?

Tip: When solving trigonometric problems involving angles of elevation, always ensure your calculator is in the correct mode (degrees or radians).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angles of Elevation
Tangent Function

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent
h1 = 980 * tan(47.3°)
h1 + h2 = 980 * tan(51.3°)

Theorems

Tangent Function in Right-Angle Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12