Question

Hey guys I have a silly question but please just tell me how to do it!
The direction is found by using the tangent function:
3 miles/7miles = Tan(teta) = teta=23degrees
my question is I am doing the calculation but from where they got 23 degrees?

Answer 1

No that's a good question :)

So the relationship of the vertical and horizontal components and the angle gave you:\[\Large \frac{3}{7} \quad=\quad \tan \theta\]

To solve for theta, we can rewrite this in terms of the inverse tangent function by swapping the 3/7 and theta.\[\Large \theta=\arctan\left(\frac{3}{7}\right)\]

Answer 2

I don't think you can find this angle by any simple refrence.
You'd want to punch it into your calculator.

Answer 3

if tan(A)= 3/7
then
A = atan(3/7)

calculator needed

Answer 4

Oh, and make sure your calculator is in degree mode! :)

Answer 5

you guys are awesome! thanks so much!