Trigonometry bearings help:)

cocoknny · #1 $Old$ October 13th, 2007, 07:08 PM

In order to measure the height of a tower, the angle of elevation to the top of the tower was measured from two points on level ground. The points are 1000meters apart and in line with the base of the tower. The measurements were 32 degrees and 58 degrees find the height of the tower correct to the nearest metre.

galactus · #2 $Old$ October 13th, 2007, 07:32 PM

The distance from the tower to the first point, (58 deg), is x

The distance from the tower to the second point, (32 deg), is 1000+x

Let the height of the tower be y.

Then we have:

$\frac{y}{1000+x}=tan(32)$

and

$\frac{x}{y}=tan(32)$

Solve for x and y.

cocoknny · #3 $Old$ October 13th, 2007, 07:42 PM

what happened to the 58 degrees? is it tan58 degree=y/1000m

galactus · #4 $Old$ October 13th, 2007, 07:47 PM

What I posted is equivalent. Nothing happened to it. 90-58=32

You could also use cot(58) if you like that better.

cocoknny · #5 $Old$ October 13th, 2007, 07:53 PM

oh so 32degrees don't matter in the triangle with 58 degrees.

cocoknny · #6 $Old$ October 13th, 2007, 07:55 PM

can u explain how x/y=tan32?