Which equation would you use to find the distance to the iceberg?

cos80 = 30/d
tan80 = 30/d
tan80 = d/30

https://media.glynlyon.com/g_geo_2012/5/group140.gif

Question

Which equation would you use to find the distance to the iceberg?


cos80 = 30/d
tan80 = 30/d
tan80 = d/30


https://media.glynlyon.com/g_geo_2012/5/group140.gif

mathstudent55 · Answer

Look at the picture and identify the parts of the triangle that are given and that you are looking for.
For the 80-degree angle, the adjacent side is 30 ft, and the opposite side is d, the unknown.
Which trig function relates the opposite and the adjacent sides in a ratio?

mathstudent55 · Answer

Remember SOHCAHTOA
SOH --->   sin = opp/hyp
CAH --->   cos = adj/hyp
TOA --->   tan = opp/adj