Angle of Elevation and Depression

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    Angle Depression
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem involving the angles of elevation and depression between two buildings, specifically focusing on calculating the height of the second building based on given angles and the height of the observer's eye level. The context is primarily homework-related, with participants seeking assistance in applying trigonometric concepts to solve the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a scenario involving a man on a building observing another building, providing specific angles of depression and heights.
  • Several participants inquire about the methods used to approach the problem, specifically mentioning "soh cah toa" as a trigonometric tool but expressing confusion about its application.
  • Another participant suggests defining the distance between the buildings as a variable (d) and writing tangent equations to eliminate this variable in order to find the height difference (h).
  • Participants express uncertainty about how to incorporate the given heights and angles into their calculations.
  • One participant acknowledges their understanding after receiving guidance but still expresses a need for clarity on certain steps.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion does not reach a consensus, as participants express varying levels of understanding and confusion regarding the application of trigonometric principles to the problem. Multiple approaches are suggested, but no definitive solution is agreed upon.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention specific angles and heights but do not clarify all assumptions or dependencies in their reasoning, leaving some steps unresolved. The discussion reflects a reliance on trigonometric identities without fully articulating their application to the problem.

hiineko
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A man is standing on a 48.5 building and is looking on a second building. The angle of depression of the top and foot of the second building is 50 degrees and 80 degrees, respectively. What is the height of the second building? The height from the foot to the eye of the man is 1.5 m.

Hello guys!
I tried answering this problem and I kind of a lost of what to do here. This is my illustration, I don't know if I drew the correct illustration. Any help for answering this hard question (for me lol) will be appreciated. Thank you and God bless!
hKtFkD0.png
 
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What have you tried till now ?
 
Qwertywerty said:
What have you tried till now ?

First I tried getting it using soh cah toa which I got really lost because I don't know how will I apply soh cah toa here.
I have the angle but I don't know how to use the 48.5 and 1.5.
 
hiineko said:
First I tried getting it using soh cah toa which I got really lost because I don't know how will I apply soh cah toa here.

What is ' soh cah toa ' ?
 
Qwertywerty said:
What is ' soh cah toa ' ?
Uhhh like this?

Ov8AoyO.png
 
Take distance between the two buildings as , say , d .

Write the formula for tan twice . Eliminate d . Solve .

Qwertywerty said:
What is ' soh cah toa ' ?
hiineko said:
Uhhh like this?

I haven't heard of that before .
 
Qwertywerty said:
Take distance between the two buildings as , say , d .

Write the formula for tan twice . Eliminate d . Solve .

I haven't heard of that before .

Okay sir can you be a little specific, I'm getting into it. How do I take the distance between the two buildings sir?
 
There is some unknown distance between the buildings . Let this be a variable d , or any other of your liking .

Let difference in height of buildings be h .
Now write tan from the top of the second building . Then from the bottom .

Thus find h .
 
Qwertywerty said:
There is some unknown distance between the buildings . Let this be a variable d , or any other of your liking .

Let difference in height of buildings be h .
Now write tan from the top of the second building . Then from the bottom .

Thus find h .
Okay will update you later sir. Thankyou for the help! Hoping I can get it this time.
 
  • #10
Qwertywerty said:
There is some unknown distance between the buildings . Let this be a variable d , or any other of your liking .

Let difference in height of buildings be h .
Now write tan from the top of the second building . Then from the bottom .

Thus find h .

Got it sir! (pls excuse my bad hand writing lol) Thankyou for assisting me. Cheers mate
wV02VIR.png
 
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