Question

A utility pole is 40 ft tall. The pole creates a 50 ft shadow. What is the angle of elevation of the sun? Round your answer to the nearest degree. Draw the triangle. Show your work.

Answer 1

The angle of elevation is
`39\°`

Explanation:

see the attached figure to better understand the problem

Let

x-----> the angle of elevation of the sun

we know that

In the right triangle ABC

`tan(x)=(BC)/(AC)`

we have

`BC=40\ ft`

`AC=50\ ft`

substitute

`tan(x)=(40)/(50)`

`x=arctan((40)/(50))=39\°`