Chapter 8.7, Problem 9WE

To determine

To Find: The depth of crater.

Answer to Problem 9WE

The depth of crater is 440 m.

Explanation of Solution

Given information:

  

The shadow is estimated 400m long and the angle of elevation to the sun is 48°.

Suppose the depth of crater is x,

Apply the tan formula for angle 48° in the right angle triangle,

  $\begin{array}{l}tan48°=\frac{\text{Perpendicular}}{\text{Base}}\hfill \\ 1.11=\frac{x}{400}\hfill \\ x=1.11\times 400\hfill \\ x=440m\hfill \end{array}$

Therefore, the depth of crater is 440 m.