The captain of a ship at sea sights a lighthouse which is 300 feet tall. The captain measures the the angle of elevation to the top of the lighthouse to be 20 degrees. How far is the ship from the base of the lighthouse?

Question

abhisar · Answer

Hello @ameya !
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abhisar · Answer

Let the distance be x feet. Then (since angle of elevation is 20 degrees)

abhisar · Answer

$$\frac{ 300 }{ x } = \tan 20$$

abhisar · Answer

$$\rightarrow x = \frac{ 300 }{ \tan 20 }$$

abhisar · Answer

x = 824.24 Feet