What is the Height of the Washington Monument from a Distance of 1000 Feet?

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SUMMARY

The height of the Washington Monument can be calculated using trigonometric principles. From a distance of 1000 feet, with an angle of elevation of 29.05°, the height (M) of the monument is determined using the tangent function: tan(29.05°) = M/1000. This results in a height of approximately 17.5 feet when rounded to the nearest half foot.

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From a point level with and 1000 feet away from the base of the Washington Monument, the angle of elevation to the top of the monument is 29.05°. Determine the height of the monument to the nearest half foot.

Here is the set up.

Let M = height of monument to the nearest half foot.

tan (29.05°) = M/1000

Yes?
 
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Yes, tangent is "opposite side divided by near side". You have a right triangle in which one angle, at your eye, is 29.05 degree. The "near side" is the distance from you to the base of the monument and the "opposite side" is the Washington Monument itself.
 
Country Boy said:
Yes, tangent is "opposite side divided by near side". You have a right triangle in which one angle, at your eye, is 29.05 degree. The "near side" is the distance from you to the base of the monument and the "opposite side" is the Washington Monument itself.

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