Question

A plane took off at a point that is 42 meters from the control tower. The flight path takes the plane over the control tower that is 98 meters high. After traveling 83 meters, which statement is most accurate?

A. The plane needs to be about 15 meters higher to clear the tower.
B. The plane clears the tower with about 27 meters to spare.
C. The plane clears the tower with about 15 meters to spare.
D. The plane needs to be about 27 meters higher to clear the tower.

Answer 1

D. The plane needs to be about 27 meters higher to clear the tower.

Explanation:

In this scenario a triangle is being formed. The base the plane's takeoff point to the tower base which is 42 meters (x).

The hypothenus is the distance travelled by the plane which is 83 meters (h)

The height of the tower is 98 Meters

We want to calculate the height of our triangle (y) so we can guage if the plane scaled the tower.

According to Pythagorean theorem

(x^2) + (y^2) = h^2

y = √ (h^2) - (x^2)

y = √ (83^2) - (42^2)

y= √(6889 - 1764)

y= 71.59 Meters

The height from the plane's position to the top of the tower will be

Height difference = 98 - 71.59 = 26.41 Meters

So the plane should go about 27 Meters higher to clear the tower