Question

The length of the shadow of a tree is 24 feet, the tan P = .7.

Write an equation involving a trigonometric ratio that can be used to find the height x of the tree. Explain why your equation is correct.

Answer 1

To find the height of the tree you need to use the basic trigonometric function known as tangent. Tangent is the equivalent of the opposite side divided by the adjacent side. If you are given the size of the angle (P), tan P = height of the tree / length of the shadow (24ft).