Math Problem Statement
Assuming that a 370 -foot tall giant redwood grows vertically, if I walk a certain distance from the tree and measure the angle of elevation to the top of the tree to be 64° , how far from the base of the tree am I?
Round your answer to four decimal places.
I am about
feet away from the base of the tree.
Solution
To solve this problem, we can use trigonometry, specifically the tangent function. The tangent of an angle in a right triangle is defined as the ratio of the opposite side to the adjacent side:
In this case:
- The "opposite" side is the height of the tree, which is 370 feet.
- The "adjacent" side is the distance from the base of the tree, which is what we are solving for.
- The angle is given as .
Using the formula:
Now, solve for the distance:
Let me calculate that for you.You are approximately 180.4611 feet away from the base of the tree.
Do you want further details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:
- How would the distance change if the angle of elevation were 45° instead of 64°?
- What trigonometric function would you use if the distance and angle were known, but you needed to find the height of the tree?
- How does the angle of elevation affect the distance from the tree?
- Can you calculate the height of a tree if the angle of elevation is 30° and you stand 50 feet away from the base?
- How would you solve this problem if the tree grew on a hill inclined at 10°?
Tip: When using trigonometric functions, ensure your calculator is set to the correct mode (degrees or radians) depending on the angle units.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Trigonometry
Right Triangle
Angle of Elevation
Formulas
tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
distance = height / tan(θ)
Theorems
Tangent Function in Right Triangles
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 9-12
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