Home » Classroom » JSS3 Mathematics Trigonometric Ratios Question

An observer stands 30 meters above sea level an... - JSS3 Mathematics Trigonometric Ratios Question

An observer stands 30 meters above sea level and looks down at an angle of depression of 10 degrees to see a ship. If the horizontal distance from the observer to the ship is 200 meters, how far is the ship from sea level?

Given:

Height above sea level (opposite side, opp) = 30 meters

Angle of depression (θ) = 10 degrees

Horizontal distance (adjacent side, adj) = 200 meters

To find the vertical distance (height of the ship, opposite side, opp):

tan(10∘)=30/200

opp=200⋅tan(10 ∘ )

Using a calculator:

tan(10∘)≈0.1763

opp≈200⋅0.1763=35.26 meters

 

So, the ship is approximately 35.26 meters below sea level.

Please share this, thanks:

Add your answer

Notice: Posting irresponsibily can get your account banned!

No responses