The original question was:
A camera is mounted 3,000 feet from the space shuttle launching pad. The camera needs to pivot as the shuttle is launched and needs to keep the shuttle in focus . If the shuttle is rising vertically at 800 feet/sec when it is 4,00 feet high, how fast is the camer-to-shuttle distance changing?

And the new problem is In this problem, how fast is the angle of elevation of the camera changing at that moment in time? What variable are we trying to find? ______ Since this is a function of (theta), we need a trig function. There are three trig function we could use. Let's

Question

The original question was:
A camera is mounted 3,000 feet from the space shuttle launching pad. The camera needs to pivot as the shuttle is launched and needs to keep the shuttle in focus . If the shuttle is rising vertically at 800 feet/sec when it is 4,00 feet high, how fast is the camer-to-shuttle distance  changing?

And the new problem is In this problem, how fast is the angle of elevation of the camera changing at that moment in time? What variable are we trying to find? ______ Since this is a function of (theta), we need a trig function. There are three trig function we could use. Let's

chaise · Answer

Would seem logical to tan as theta is changing with the FIXED length between the launch pad and the changing height of the space shuttle. Does this help you :)?
I would like to have a crack at this question.

anonymous · Answer

I don't think I really get what the second half is saying. I don't know what it is looking for

chaise · Answer

This might get messy, just let me shoot at it.

chaise · Answer

This is a derivative question right?

anonymous · Answer

Relatied Rates, so...related derivatives I think