Math Problem Statement

A tree is 8 meters tall, and its shadow is 10 meters long. The distance from the top of the tree to the tip of the shadow (hypotenuse) is 12.81 meters. What is the sine of the angle between the tree and the ground?

Solution

To find the sine of the angle (θ\theta) between the tree and the ground, we can use the definition of sine in a right triangle:

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

In this case:

  • The opposite side is the height of the tree = 8 meters.
  • The hypotenuse is the distance from the top of the tree to the tip of the shadow = 12.81 meters.

Now, we calculate sin(θ)\sin(\theta):

sin(θ)=812.810.6245\sin(\theta) = \frac{8}{12.81} \approx 0.6245

Thus, the sine of the angle is approximately 0.6245.

Would you like more details or have any other questions? Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. How can you find the angle itself using the sine function?
  2. What is the cosine of the same angle using the information provided?
  3. Can you calculate the tangent of the angle?
  4. How would the values change if the tree were taller?
  5. What is the significance of using trigonometry in real-world problems like this?

Tip: When solving right triangles, identifying the opposite, adjacent, and hypotenuse sides for an angle is key to choosing the correct trigonometric ratio (sine, cosine, or tangent).

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangle
Sine Function

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-10