Q. An airplane takes off 200 yards in front of a 180 yard building.Find the angle of elevation for the plane so it does not hit the building.
Identify Known Values: Identify the known values and the problem to be solved.We know the following:- The distance from the plane's takeoff point to the building is 200 yards.- The height of the building is 180 yards.We need to find the angle of elevation that the plane must have to clear the building without hitting it.
Visualize Problem: Visualize the problem as a right triangle. The building forms a vertical line (height), the distance from the takeoff point to the building forms the horizontal line (base), and the path of the plane forms the hypotenuse. The angle of elevation is the angle between the base and the hypotenuse.
Use Trigonometry: Use trigonometry to find the angle of elevation.The tangent of the angle of elevation θ is the ratio of the opposite side (height of the building) to the adjacent side (distance from the takeoff point to the building).So, tan(θ)=adjacentopposite=distance from takeoff point to buildingheight of the building.
Calculate Tangent: Calculate the tangent of the angle of elevation.tan(θ)=200yards180yardstan(θ)=0.9
Find Angle: Find the angle of elevation using the arctangent function. θ=arctan(0.9)Use a calculator to find the angle in degrees.
Calculate with Calculator: Calculate the angle using a calculator.θ≈arctan(0.9)≈41.99 degreesThe angle of elevation should be approximately 41.99 degrees for the plane to clear the building.