Question

Draw a picture for each and then solve using a trigonometric ratio. Round to two decimal places. 22.) A helicopter is hovering 350 feet above the ground above its landing pad. How far are you standing from the landing pad if the angle of elevation from you to the helicopter is 27°?

Answer 1

Answer

The person is 686.95 feet from the landing pad.

Explanation

We need to first sketch the picture for this scenario described

Let the distance from the landing pad to the individual observing be x

In a right-angle triangle, the side opposite the right angle is the Hypotenuse, the side opposite the given angle that is non-right angle is the Opposite and the remaining side is the Adjacent.

So, after noting the three sides in a right triangle, we will then use trignometric ratios to solve for any of the unknown. If the non-right-angle angle given is θ, the trignometric ratios in short forms are written as

SOH, CAH and TOA

SOH means Sin θ = (Opp/Hyp)

CAH means Cos θ = (Adj/Hyp)

TOA means Tan θ = (Opp/Adj)

So, the one to be used depends on the sides of the triangle that are provided.

For this question,

Hypotenuse = ?

Opposite = 350 feet

Adjacent = x

Angle = θ = 27°

TOA means Tan θ = (Opp/Adj)

Tan 27° = (350/x)

Cross multiply

x = 350/(Tan 27°)

x = 350/(0.5095)

x = 686.95 feet

Hope this Helps!!!