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At a horizontal distance of 34 meters from the base of a tower, the angle of elevation to the top is 72 degrees. Find the line of sight distance to the nearest meter.

 

 I set it up two ways, one way is cos72=34/x which gives me 110.0 due to it being the elevation, then I set it up as tan72=34/x which gives it 11.0 finding the line of sight

 Jun 2, 2014

Best Answer 

 #1
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1st setup.  You're looking for the Hyp.  Cos is Adj/Hyp

Your tan setup is upside down.  Tan is Opp/Adj.  You are given the Adj. You would use tan when given either the Opp or Adj, and want to find the other.

 Jun 2, 2014
 #1
avatar+28 
+5
Best Answer

1st setup.  You're looking for the Hyp.  Cos is Adj/Hyp

Your tan setup is upside down.  Tan is Opp/Adj.  You are given the Adj. You would use tan when given either the Opp or Adj, and want to find the other.

TaviSage Jun 2, 2014

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