Question

The angle of elevation of the top of a pole, P, viewed 20 m from the base of the pole, at G, is 52°.

Answer 1

Part (a)

The side x is the opposite while the 20 meter side is the adjacent

The opposite leg is the furthest from the reference angle. The adjacent leg is the one touching or closest to the reference angle.

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Part (b)

Answer: tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent

Reason: Tangent is the ratio of opposite over adjacent. This is something to memorize.

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Part (c)

Answer: tan(52) = x/20

Reason: Replace "opposite" with x. Replace "adjacent" with 20.

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Part (d)

Let's isolate x.

tan(52) = x/20

x = 20*tan(52)

x = 25.5988326438616

x = 25.6 is the final answer

Make sure your calculator is set to degree mode.