Question

From the top of a lighthouse 18 m high, the angle of depression to sight a boat is 4 degrees. To the nearest meter, what is the distance between the boat and the base of the lighthouse? Enter a number answer only.

Answer 1

Explanation:

The side opposite to the 4 degree angle is 18 m

The side adjacent the 4 degree angle is x

tan(4) = opposite / adjacent

adjacent = opposite / (tan(4))

adjacent = 18 / tan(4)

adjacent = 257.41