An observer (O) is located 500 feet from a school (S). The observer notices a bird (B) flying at a 39° angle of elevation from his line of sight. What equation and trigonometric function can be used to solve for the height (h) of the bird? Pick another trigonometric function and describe why that function is not appropriate when trying to solve for (h). You must show all work and calculations to receive full credit.

Question

anonymous · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

They taught us Soh Cah Toa, meaning sine is equal to opposite over hypotenuse, cosine is equal to adjacent over hypotenuse, and tangent is equal to opposite over adjacent. From that and your drawing, you should be able to answer the question.

anonymous · Answer

i really dont know how because i really dont understand

anonymous · Answer

Well. Which trigonometric function would you use to solve the figure that you gave us?

anonymous · Answer

im guessing the hypotenuse

anonymous · Answer

Sine, cosine, and tangent are your option. The hypotenuse is part of those functions, but it is not the function itself.

anonymous · Answer

the sine

anonymous · Answer

Yes. Do you know how to set up the equation?

anonymous · Answer

no

anonymous · Answer

Sine is equal to the opposite side length divided by the hypotenuse.

anonymous · Answer

wait so wat do i do with that sorry im just really confused

anonymous · Answer

The sine of the angle you were given, is equal to the opposite side length divided by the hypotenuse. For example, if we had |dw:1398633439702:dw|
We'd set the equation up as $$\sin 30 = \frac{ x }{ 10 }$$