Math Problem Statement

A tree grows at an angle of 2° from the vertical due to prevailing winds. At a point d = 35 meters from the base of the tree, the angle of elevation to the top of the tree is a = 25°. Write an equation using the Law of Sines to find the height h of the tree, and calculate h.

Solution

Let's break down the problem step by step.

Problem Setup:

  • The tree grows at an angle of 22^\circ from the vertical due to wind.
  • The horizontal distance from the base of the tree is d=35md = 35 \, \text{m}.
  • The angle of elevation from the point on the ground to the top of the tree is a=25a = 25^\circ.

Part (a):

You are asked to write an equation using the Law of Sines, which is suitable since we are working with angles and sides of a triangle.

We have two angles:

  1. The angle between the tree (which is vertical) and the top is b=902=88b = 90^\circ - 2^\circ = 88^\circ (because the tree grows at an angle of 22^\circ from vertical).
  2. The angle of elevation from the point on the ground is a=25a = 25^\circ.

Using the Law of Sines: hsin(a)=35sin(b)\frac{h}{\sin(a)} = \frac{35}{\sin(b)} Where:

  • hh is the height of the tree (the side opposite angle aa).
  • 35m35 \, \text{m} is the distance from the tree (the side opposite angle bb).
  • a=25a = 25^\circ
  • b=88b = 88^\circ

So, the equation is: hsin(25)=35sin(88)\frac{h}{\sin(25^\circ)} = \frac{35}{\sin(88^\circ)}

Part (b):

To find hh, rearrange the equation: h=35×sin(25)sin(88)h = \frac{35 \times \sin(25^\circ)}{\sin(88^\circ)}

Let's calculate this:

  • sin(25)0.4226\sin(25^\circ) \approx 0.4226
  • sin(88)0.9994\sin(88^\circ) \approx 0.9994

Substitute these values: h=35×0.42260.999414.79mh = \frac{35 \times 0.4226}{0.9994} \approx 14.79 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The height hh of the tree is approximately 14.8m14.8 \, \text{m} (rounded to one decimal place).


Would you like further details on the solution? Here are five related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. How does the Law of Sines apply to non-right triangles?
  2. How would the equation change if the angle of elevation was different?
  3. What is the importance of converting the tree's tilt into angle bb?
  4. How does rounding affect the accuracy of this solution?
  5. Can this method be applied to other real-world applications, like measuring building heights?

Tip: Remember to double-check your trigonometric values when solving angle-related problems for precision.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Law of Sines
Angle of Elevation

Formulas

Law of Sines: (h/sin(a)) = (d/sin(b))
Angle b = 90° - Tree Tilt Angle
h = (d * sin(a)) / sin(b)

Theorems

Law of Sines

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12