The angle of elevation to the top of a skyscraper is measured to be 2° from a point on the ground 1 mile from the building. How tall is the skyscraper?

My work is in the comments.

Question

The angle of elevation to the top of a skyscraper is measured to be 2° from a point on the ground 1 mile from the building. How tall is the skyscraper?

My work is in the comments.

bluebeta · Answer

I got 5276.78 ft. tall. I changed 1 mile=5280 ft
Cos2=x/5280
Cos2*5280
Cos2=.9993908
.9993908*5280=5276.78 ft

@colinvda I seen you look at this.

anonymous · Answer

Hey, no stalking me ;)

You have the right idea, but think about the x/y/r fractions I gave you in your other question. Are you sure you should be using cos?

anonymous · Answer

Try drawing the question. Label the 3 sides of the triangle and the 2°

bluebeta · Answer

@colinvda ok ill try that

radar · Answer

|dw:1451960270326:dw|The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle.  From this we know the distance is in excess of one mile.  A picture is worth the effort.

bluebeta · Answer

@radar @colinvda okay.. i don't get how to fix it though..