Question

An observer on the ground is x meters from the base of the launch pad of a rocket, which is at the same level as the observer. A few seconds after the rocket takes off vertically, the observer sees its tip at an angle of q° from the horizontal. How far above the ground is the tip of the rocket at that instant? Assume that the ground is level.

a) x/ tan q.
b) x/sin q.
c) x tan q.
d) x cos q.

Answer 1

To find the height of the rocket above the ground, we can use trigonometry. The height of the rocket above the ground can be calculated using the formula h = x * tan(q).

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the height of the rocket above the ground, we can use trigonometry. Let's define the distance of the observer from the base of the launch pad as x, and the angle at which the observer sees the tip of the rocket as q°. The height of the rocket above the ground can be calculated using the formula h = x * tan(q), where h is the height above the ground.

So, the correct option is a) x / tan(q).