2 tracking stations on Earth 15km apart, measure the angles of elevation of a rocket. From Station B, the angle of elevation is 38° & from Station A it is 74°. Find the height of the rocket

Answer 1

Draw and label a diagram.

R represents the position of the rocket

G represents the point on the ground below the rocke

RG / (15 + AG) = tan 38° → RG = (15 + AG) tan 38º

RG / AG = tan 74º → RG = AG tan 74º

(15 + AG) tan 38º = AG tan 74º

Solve for AG. Use value of AG to determine RG.