Trig -- An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves an airplane ascending at an angle of 10 degrees, which is detected 2000 meters directly above an observer. After 20 seconds, the angle of elevation to the plane is 48 degrees. Participants are discussing how to determine the speed of the plane based on this scenario.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to visualize the problem using diagrams and triangles, with some expressing uncertainty about their approaches. Questions are raised regarding the correctness of the diagrams and the application of trigonometric principles, such as the sine rule.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on the use of trigonometric relationships and have pointed out the need to find specific angles within the triangle formed by the observer and the airplane. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the angles and distances involved, but no consensus has been reached on the correct method to solve the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the problem is part of a challenge section in a trig textbook, suggesting that it may require a non-standard approach. There is also mention of the difficulty level, as it is one of the last questions in the book, which may imply a higher complexity than previous problems.

Hierophant
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Homework Statement


An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees is detected 2000m directly above an observer after 20 seconds the angle of elevation to the plane is 48 degrees. How fast is the plane going?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


I just don't know what to do next, I've tried several additional extrapolated triangles. but to no avail. I'm not sure if what I have up to this point is even right!
My attempt is in the associated image
 

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Neither of your diagrams is correct.

The plane travels along a straight line which is at 10° to the horizontal. Initially it is directly above the observer at a height of 2000m. Twenty seconds later, the angle which the line from the observer to the plane makes with the horizontal is 48°.

Let the speed of the plane be v\,\mathrm{ms}^{-1}, so that the distance traveled by the plane (along its line of ascent) in 20 seconds is 20v meters.

That gives you two relevant lengths. Can you find a triangle which has those as two of its sides?
 
So, here's my latest attempt.

I should note that this is in the challenge section of this very short trig book. I'm not sure if I am taking the right approach, I was wondering if you could guide me a bit more, this is killing me!

I don't think the standard approaches provided by the book apply here, or there's some leap that you have to take first. This is second to last question in the book. All before this I was just blitzing, finishing this 70 page textbook in two days.
 

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Your diagram is correct, and the sine rule is the correct method, but there is sufficient information given for you to determine the angle CAB. Remember that you are asked to find the speed v.
 
Hierophant said:

Homework Statement


An airplane is ascending at an angle of 10 degrees is detected 2000m directly above an observer after 20 seconds the angle of elevation to the plane is 48 degrees. How fast is the plane going?
10 degrees to the horizontal is 80 degrees to the vertical. Further, an angle of elevation of 40 degrees is 50 degrees to the vertical. Those two angles add to 130 degrees so the third angle in the triangle is 180- 130= 50 degrees. The distance between the 80 and 50 degree angles is 2000m so you can use the sine law to find the other lengths. In particular, the distance the airplane flew in 20 seconds is the side opposite the first 50 degree angle.


2. Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I just don't know what to do next, I've tried several additional extrapolated triangles. but to no avail. I'm not sure if what I have up to this point is even right!
My attempt is in the associated image
 

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