Math Problem Statement

To measure a stone face carved on the side of a​ mountain, two sightings

650650

feet from the base of the mountain are taken. If the angle of elevation to the bottom of the face is

3636degrees°

and the angle of elevation to the top is

3939degrees°​,

what is the height of the stone​ face?

Question content area bottom

Part 1

The height of the stone face is

enter your response here

feet.

Solution

To find the height of the stone face carved on the side of the mountain, we can use trigonometry. Let’s break the problem down step by step.

Given Information:

  • Distance from the base of the mountain: 650 feet
  • Angle of elevation to the bottom of the face: 36°
  • Angle of elevation to the top of the face: 39°

Step 1: Find the height to the bottom of the face

Using the tangent function:

tan(θ)=oppositeadjacent\tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}

h1=650tan(36)h_1 = 650 \tan(36^\circ)

h1=650×0.7265h_1 = 650 \times 0.7265

h1472.2 feeth_1 \approx 472.2 \text{ feet}

Step 2: Find the height to the top of the face

h2=650tan(39)h_2 = 650 \tan(39^\circ)

h2=650×0.8098h_2 = 650 \times 0.8098

h2526.4 feeth_2 \approx 526.4 \text{ feet}

Step 3: Calculate the height of the stone face

Height of the stone face=h2h1\text{Height of the stone face} = h_2 - h_1

=526.4472.2= 526.4 - 472.2

=54.2 feet= 54.2 \text{ feet}

Final Answer:

The height of the stone face is 54.2 feet.


Would you like a more detailed breakdown or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How would the height change if the distance were different?
  2. What if the angles of elevation were swapped?
  3. How can this method be used to measure buildings?
  4. Can we use sine or cosine instead of tangent in this case?
  5. How accurate is this method in real-world applications?

Tip: Always ensure your calculator is in degree mode when working with angles in degrees!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angles of Elevation
Right Triangle Applications

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite / adjacent
Height = Distance * tan(Angle)

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios in Right Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12