120k views
5 votes
A library wishes to build an access ramp for wheelchairs. The main entrance of the library is 8 ft. above sidewalk level. If the architect recommends a grade (angle of elevation) of 6°, how long must the access ramp be?​

User Ryan Yuan
by
5.6k points

1 Answer

1 vote

Answer:

About 76.5 ft.

Explanation:

Draw a diagram of a right triangle. The shorter leg represents the height of the main entrance of the library, which is 8 ft. The longer leg won't matter in this case. The hypotenuse is what we're trying to find, so mark it as x. We know there's a 6° angle of elevation, so the 30° angle of the triangle will be 6° in this case. Now we have to use trig. Think of Soh Cah Toa. The 6° is opposite from 8 and the hypotenuse is x. So, the equation to find x would be:

sin (6°) = 8/x

Multiply both sides by x

sin (6°) * x = 8

Divide both sides by sin (6°)

x = 8/sin (6°)

When putting it into a calculator, your answer should be 76.534, which rounds to 76.5 ft.

User Jcalloway
by
5.7k points
Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.