Question

An observer in a lighthouse 350 feet above sea level observes two ships directly offshore. The angles of depression to the ships are β = 3° and θ = 4.5° (see figure). How far apart are the ships? (Round your answer to one decimal place.)

Answer 1

tan(3) = 350 / BD
BD = 350 / tan(3) = ? (set angle to degrees in your calculator)

tan(4.5) = 350 / BC
BC = 350 / tan(4.5) = ?

CD = BD - BC = ?