- #1
max0005
- 52
- 0
Homework Statement
When the sun is 74° above the horizontal a vertical flag pole casts an 8.5m shadow on the horizontal. Find the shadow cast when the sun lowers to 62° above the horizontal.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
I drew the following diagram:
[PLAIN]http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/8046/sunq.jpg
(The point without label should be point E).
Hypothesizing AE to be a right angled degree I came up with the following:
AE:BD=AC:BC
BD and BE are the only two values which will remain constant in the 62° triangle.
However, I do not understand how to proceed. I am given only one side and one angle (excluding right angles) and the triangle on which I have to focus is a non-right triangle, hence sine, cosine and tangent cannot be used.
Sine and cosine rules require more data to be given, and it is impossible to figure out lengths of the sides now knowing at least the length of one side.
Suggestions?
Last edited by a moderator: