Question

the angle lf elevation between fishing vessel and the top of a 50 meter tall light house is 12 degrees. what is the approximate distance between the fishing vessel and the base of the light house

Answer 1

Look at the attachment for diagram

• Let the distance be b

`\\ \tt\hookrightarrow tan\theta=(Perpendicular)/(Base)`

`\\ \tt\hookrightarrow tan12=(50)/(x)`

`\\ \tt\hookrightarrow 0.21=50/x`

`\\ \tt\hookrightarrow x=50/0.21`

`\\ \tt\hookrightarrow x\approx 235m`

Answer 2

• 235 m

Explanation:

The vessel, base of the light house and top of the light house form a right triangle.

50 m side is opposite of 12° angle.

Let the distance between the vessel and the base of the light house is x.

Relationship between the legs is:

• tan 12° = 50/x
• x = 50 / tan 12°
• x = 235.23 m ≈ 235 m