Trigonometry Word Problem involving Inverse trigonometric functions

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acen_gr
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Homework Statement


A ship is d feet from a dock (horizontal distance). The dock is 40 feet above sea level. The angle of depression from the dock to the ship is θ. Write θ as a function of d.

Homework Equations


This question is accompanied with choices. The choices are
[tex](A) θ = 40arctan(d)[/tex]
[tex](B) θ = arctan(\frac{40}{d})[/tex]
[tex](C) θ = arcsin(\frac{d}{60})[/tex]
[tex](D) θ = \frac{arctan(d)}{40}[/tex]
[tex](E) none of these[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


First, I would like to know if my graphical representation of this problem is correct.
s30opz.png

Thank you!
 
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Do you know the definitions of "sine", "tangent", etc.? If not, look them up. Once you know them you will see that this problem is trivial.
 
It is a very nice (and correct) drawing, with a very big ship.:smile:

ehild
 
HallsofIvy said:
Do you know the definitions of "sine", "tangent", etc.? If not, look them up. Once you know them you will see that this problem is trivial.
ehild said:
It is a very nice (and correct) drawing, with a very big ship.:smile:

ehild

Ok sir so if my interpretation of the problem is right, then it would be right if I answer choice B right? Thank you! :smile:
 
acen_gr said:
Ok sir so if my interpretation of the problem is right, then it would be right if I answer choice B right? Thank you! :smile:

YES!

ehild
 
ehild said:
YES!

ehild

Yes! I made it right. I just wonder if my understanding was right because I'm not from an English-based country so some phrasing are not clear to me. Thank you everyone! :biggrin: