Cloud height

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To measure the height of a cloud, place a bright searchlight directly below the cloud and shine the beam straight up. From a distance of

1100 feet from the spotlight, the angle of elevation θ equals 37 degrees, 55 prime. Find the height of the cloud base.

Guest Mar 22, 2020

CPhill · Answer 1 · 2020-03-22T10:14:17

We can use the tangent here....let H be the height of the cloud

tan (37° 55') = H / 1100 multiply both sides by 1100

1100 * tan (37° 55') = 1100 * tan ( 37 + 11/12)° = H ≈ 856.8 ft