estimate how tall the tree is

Algebra and Trigonometry (6th Edition)
6th Edition
ISBN:9780134463216
Author:Robert F. Blitzer
Publisher:Robert F. Blitzer
ChapterP: Prerequisites: Fundamental Concepts Of Algebra
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1MCCP: In Exercises 1-25, simplify the given expression or perform the indicated operation (and simplify,...
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estimate how tall the tree is 
Title: Analyzing the Height of a Tree Using Trigonometry

**Diagram Description:**

This diagram represents a right triangle used to calculate the height of a tree using trigonometric principles. It includes the following components:

1. **Angle of Elevation**: The angle between the horizontal line (ground) and the line of sight to the top of the tree is labeled as 45 degrees.
   
2. **Distance from Tree**: The horizontal side of the triangle, representing the distance from the observer to the base of the tree, is marked as 120 feet.

3. **Height of the Tree (h)**: The vertical side of the triangle, from the base to the top of the tree, is labeled with "h," representing the height of the tree which needs to be calculated.

**Mathematical Explanation:**

Using the tangent function in trigonometry, where:

\[ \tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite Side}}{\text{Adjacent Side}} \]

Here, \(\theta\) is 45 degrees, the opposite side is the height of the tree (h), and the adjacent side is 120 feet.

Since \(\tan(45^\circ) = 1\), we have:

\[ 1 = \frac{h}{120} \]

Solving for \(h\), we get:

\[ h = 120 \text{ feet} \]

This demonstrates how a simple trigonometric ratio can be used to find the height of an object when its distance and angle of elevation are known.
Transcribed Image Text:Title: Analyzing the Height of a Tree Using Trigonometry **Diagram Description:** This diagram represents a right triangle used to calculate the height of a tree using trigonometric principles. It includes the following components: 1. **Angle of Elevation**: The angle between the horizontal line (ground) and the line of sight to the top of the tree is labeled as 45 degrees. 2. **Distance from Tree**: The horizontal side of the triangle, representing the distance from the observer to the base of the tree, is marked as 120 feet. 3. **Height of the Tree (h)**: The vertical side of the triangle, from the base to the top of the tree, is labeled with "h," representing the height of the tree which needs to be calculated. **Mathematical Explanation:** Using the tangent function in trigonometry, where: \[ \tan(\theta) = \frac{\text{Opposite Side}}{\text{Adjacent Side}} \] Here, \(\theta\) is 45 degrees, the opposite side is the height of the tree (h), and the adjacent side is 120 feet. Since \(\tan(45^\circ) = 1\), we have: \[ 1 = \frac{h}{120} \] Solving for \(h\), we get: \[ h = 120 \text{ feet} \] This demonstrates how a simple trigonometric ratio can be used to find the height of an object when its distance and angle of elevation are known.
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We have to find the height of the tree.

We will use trigonometric ratios here.

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