Solving Right Triangles│Please Help!

Question

Use a trig ratio to determine the approximate height from the ground a kite is when 150 feet of string has been released and the angle of elevation is 47º.

Determine the horizontal distance from the height the kite formed to the stake that held the string of the kite when 150 feet of string has been released and the angle of elevation is 47º.

Answer 1

For problems like this, it's always best to start by drawing a diagram! From there, all it takes is using your trig definitions and some basic algebra. Common mistakes include not having your calculator in degrees mode, and forgetting to include your units, so watch out for those! Happy math-ing!

Answer 2

sin(θ) = opposite/hypotenuse therefore:

sin(47°) = h/150

So h = 150•sin(47°) = 109.7 feet

cos(θ) = adjacent/hypotenuse therefore:

cos(47°) = d/15-

So d = 150•cos(47°) = 102.3 feet