Question

Help please...A coast guard helicopter flies toward a boat in distress. When its horizontal distance to the boat is 2000ft, its angle of depression is 42 degrees. How high above the water is the helicopter?

Answer 1

To find the height, we need to solve for x.

\[\tan(42) = \frac{ x }{ 2000 }\]
We need to get x by it self, so multiple both sides by 2000.
\[2000\tan(42) = x\]
Type that into your calculator and see waht yo get. Make sure you are in degree mode.

Answer 2

That you very much.