Math Problem Statement

Determine the height h of a building based on surveying data provided in Figure P1-39. The data includes the angle of elevation, the distance to the base of the building, and offsets.

Solution

The problem involves determining the height hh of the building using the surveying data provided in the diagram. Here is the step-by-step solution:


Given Information:

  • Distance from the surveying instrument to the base of the building: 20m20 \, \text{m}
  • Angle of elevation to the top of the building: 3434^\circ
  • Height of the surveying instrument above the sloping ground: 1.23m1.23 \, \text{m}
  • Distance from the sloping ground to the building base along the line of sight: 0.33m0.33 \, \text{m}

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Identify the components of the height:

    • The total height of the building hh can be divided into two parts: h=h+1.23mh = h' + 1.23 \, \text{m} where hh' is the vertical height calculated from the trigonometric relationship.
  2. Find hh':

    • Using the right triangle formed by the line of sight and the horizontal distance, the tangent of the angle of elevation gives: tan(34)=h20m\tan(34^\circ) = \frac{h'}{20 \, \text{m}}
    • Solving for hh': h=20tan(34)h' = 20 \cdot \tan(34^\circ)
  3. Calculate hh':

    • Using tan(34)0.6745\tan(34^\circ) \approx 0.6745: h=200.6745=13.49mh' = 20 \cdot 0.6745 = 13.49 \, \text{m}
  4. Account for the offset:

    • Adjust hh' by adding the height of the surveying instrument and subtracting the 0.33m0.33 \, \text{m} offset from the sloping ground: h=h+1.230.33h = h' + 1.23 - 0.33 Substituting h=13.49h' = 13.49: h=13.49+1.230.33=14.39mh = 13.49 + 1.23 - 0.33 = 14.39 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The height of the building hh is approximately: 14.00m\boxed{14.00 \, \text{m}}


Would you like a detailed explanation of any step or concept?


5 Related Questions:

  1. How is the tangent function applied in trigonometry for height calculations?
  2. What would the result be if the angle of elevation were 4545^\circ?
  3. How does the height offset of the instrument affect the total height calculation?
  4. What would happen if the sloping ground distance 0.33m0.33 \, \text{m} were omitted?
  5. Can this method be used for measuring the height of a tree? How?

Tip:

Always double-check the unit consistency and ensure offsets (like the height of the instrument) are appropriately added or subtracted in height problems!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angles of Elevation
Height Calculation

Formulas

tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent
h = h' + instrument height - offset

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12