Question

The ground pool for a hot air balloon can see the balloon in the sky at an angle of elevation of 11°. The pilot radios the crew that the balloon is 950 feet above the ground. What is the horizontal distance from the balloon to the ground crew.

Answer 1

4,886.83feet

Explanation:

The question will result in a right triangle with

Opposite = distance of the balloon above the ground = 950feet

Angle of elevation = 11 degrees

Required

Horizontal distance h (adjacent)

Using SOH CAH TOA identity

Tan theta =opp/adj

Tan 11 = 950/h

h = 950/tan 11

h = 950/0.1944

h = 4,886.83feet

Hence the horizontal distance from the balloon to the ground crew is 4,886.83feet