Question

A plane is flying at an altitude of 14,500 ft. The angle of depression from the plane to a control tower is 15°. What is the horizontal distance from the plane to the tower? Round to the nearest foot. Draw a diagram on your paper to help you. This is a four point question. Give a four point answer.

Answer 1

54115 ft

Explanation:

We solve the above question using the Trigonometric function of Tangent

The formula is given as:

tan y = opposite/adjacent.

Where y = Angle of depression = 15°

Opposite = 14,500ft

Adjacent = ? = Horizontal distance

Hence,

tan 15 = 14,500/x

Cross Multiply

tan 15 × x = 14,500

x = 14500/tan 15

x = 54114.73671 ft

Approximately = 54115 ft

Horizontal distance = 54115 ft