Question

A large totem pole near Kalama, Washington, is 121 feet tall. On a particular day at noon it casts a 213 foot shadow. What is the sun's angle of elevation at the time ? Round to the nearest tenth

Answer 1

Let the angle of elevation be theta. Then we have:
\[\tan \theta=\frac{121}{213}\]
from which we find theta as:
\[\theta=\tan^{-1} (\frac{121}{213})\]

Answer 2

wait so what would be the answer ?

Answer 3

Just use your calculator to get the answer. If you haven't got a calculator, then use one of the online calculators.

Answer 4

You can find a suitable calculator here:
http://www.rapidtables.com/calc/math/Arctan_Calculator.htm

Answer 5

thanks

Answer 6

You're welcome :)