Question

A plane takes off at an angle of elevation of 15° and travels in a straight line for 3,000 meters. What is the height of the plane above the ground at this instant?

Answer 1

776.46 m

Explanation:

The angle of elevation is 15 degrees which is measured from the horizontal.

The height above the ground is the opposite side of the triangle, the hypotenuse is the 3000 m and the angle of elevation is 15 degrees.

The sine ratio is the one one that ties the relationship;

Therefore;

sin 15 = x/3000

x = sin 15 × 3000

= 776.46 m

Answer 2

776.46 m

Explanation:

According to the scenario it is a question of right angle triangle

To find the height of the plane above the ground we will use trigonometry identity.

sinФ = opposite / hypotenuse

here Ф = 15°

opposite = height

hypotenuse = 3000m

Plug values in the formula above

sin(15) = height / 3000

height = sin(15)(3000)

= 776 .46 m

(make sure your calculator is in degree mode)