Question

medal to whoever can help & explain!

Answer 1

to estimate the height of a building above a level plain, a surveyor measures the angle of elevation to the top of the building to be 28.5o. 300 ft closer to the building, the angle of elevation is 32.5o. determine the height of the building.

so every time i attempt to try and do this, my numbers are always way too small. i think i am getting my numbers mixed up. explanation/ walkthrough? let me do my own work so it helps me please

Answer 2

drawing

Answer 3

erm
first make sure your calculator is in "degrees" mode :)
tan(32.5) = h/d --> h = d(tan(32.5))
tan(28.5) = h/(d+300) -> h = (d+300)(tan(28.5))
since h = h
d(tan(32.5)) = (d+300)(tan(28.5)) distribute...
d(tan(32.5)) = d(tan(28.5)) + 300(tan(28.5))
d(tan(32.5)) - d(tan(28.5)) = 300(tan(28.5))
d (tan(32.5) - tan(28.5)) = 300(tan(28.5))
d = ( 300(tan(28.5)) ) / (tan(32.5) - tan(28.5))
(plug into calculator)
d = about 2030.728ft
then 2030.72(tan(32.5)) = h = 1293.716ft
does that look about right? sorry if it's a bit messy :/

Answer 4

the answer is supposed to be 1103 ft? ugh this is so confusing

Answer 5

idk, but if it was 1103ft
then they did 2030.728(tan(28.5)) = h = 1102.595

Answer 6

oh ok, thanks!

Answer 7

you're welcome :)