Math Problem Statement

A boy flying his kite releases the entire length of its string, which measures 37 m, so that the kite is 25 meters above him. If the angle the string makes with the horizontal ground is θ, find θ to two decimal places.

Solution

The image shows a right triangle with the following given information:

  • The length of the kite's string is 37 m.
  • The kite is flying 25 m above the ground.

The problem asks to find the angle (θ) that the string makes with the horizontal ground, using the given information and expressing the result in two decimal places.

We can solve this using trigonometry, specifically the sine function, since we know the opposite side (the height of the kite) and the hypotenuse (the string length).

The sine function is defined as:

sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse=2537\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{25}{37}

Let me calculate the angle θ\theta using this.The angle θ\theta that the kite's string makes with the horizontal ground is approximately 42.51°.

Do you want further details or have any questions?

Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How would the angle change if the kite were flying higher?
  2. Can we use a different trigonometric function to find the angle? If so, how?
  3. How would you find the distance from the person to the point directly beneath the kite?
  4. What happens if the string length increases while the height stays constant?
  5. How would you calculate the horizontal distance using the tangent function?

Tip: When dealing with right triangles, always verify which sides (opposite, adjacent, or hypotenuse) are known before selecting a trigonometric function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle
Angle of Elevation

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
θ = sin⁻¹(25 / 37)

Theorems

Sine function in right triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10