Draw out a right triangle that has:
- vertical leg = 16
- horizontal leg = 5
- angle theta = angle of elevation = unknown and what we want to solve for.
The angle of elevation is placed along the ground.
The vertical leg is opposite theta. The horizontal leg is adjacent to theta.
The tangent ratio connects the opposite and adjacent.
tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent
tan(theta) = 16/5
tan(theta) = 3.2
theta = arctan(3.2)
theta = 72.645975 approximately
Make sure that your calculator is in degree mode. Arctangent is the same as inverse tangent. It is denoted as
on many calculators.
Answer: 72.645975° approximately
Round this value however your teacher instructs.