Question

The picture below shows a portion of a river dam.

Which of the following can be used to calculate the height of the river dam?

Select one:
a. 115 divided by cos 50 degrees
b. 115 cos 50°
c. 115 tan 50°
d. 115 divided by sin 50 degrees

Answer 1

I think its D.

because you divide 115 with 50* and i got D.

Hope this helps (laughs evilly),
xXbeautyXx

Answer 2

C. 115*tan(50°)

Explanation:

Let's find the answer by using the trigonometric properties of a rectangular triangle, which are:

sin(Ф)=opposite/hypotenuse

cos(Ф)=adjacent=hypotenuse

tan(Ф)=opposite/adjacent

where Ф is a given acute angle within the triangle.

Notice that in the given problem, no value has been given for the hypotenuse, so tan(Ф) is needed in order to find the dam's height, so:

tan(Ф)=opposite/adjacent

tan(50°)=Height/115m

115*tan(50°)=Height

In conclusion, the expression we use for calculating the dam's height is C. 115*tan(50°).