Question

from the top of the tree.
Problem-solving From P, a ship sails
3 km east and then 5 km north to its destination.
A helicopter flies from P directly to the ship.
On what angle (x) from north should the helicopter fly?
Give your answer correct to 1 decimal place.
north
X
P
3 km
ship
5 km

Answer 1

Answer:

  31.0°

Step-by-step explanation:

You want the bearing from P to a ship that is 3 km east and 5 km north of P.

Angle

The bearing angle for the helicopter is the same as the angle at the ship between south and P. Since the side lengths of the triangle are given, we can use the tangent relation to find that angle:

  Tan = Opposite/Adjacent

  tan(bearing) = (3 km)/(5 km)

  bearing = arctan(3/5) ≈ 31.0°

The helicopter should fly at an angle of 31.0° east of north.