Question

A flagpole that is 21 ft tall casts a shadow that is 30 ft long. What is the angle of elevation of the sun when this shadow is cast?

Answer 1

34.99°

Explanation:

CHECK THE ATTACHMENT FOR THE FIQURE

Let angle( X) = angle if elevation

From trigonometry, tan(X)= opposite/ adjacent

Height of the flagpole= 21 ft , which is the opposite side

The base, adjacent side = 30 ft

If we substitute the values we have

Tan(X) = 21/30

Tan(X)= 0.7

Tan-1(0.7)=34.99°

Hence, the angle of elevation of the sun when this shadow will cast is 34.99°