Problem 69

Question

You are skiing down a mountain with a vertical height of 1500 feet. The distance from the top of the mountain to the base is 3000 feet. What is the angle of elevation from the base to the top of the mountain?

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
The angle of elevation from the base to the top of the mountain is approximately 26.57°.
1Step 1: Identifying Given Values
From the problem, identify that the vertical height of the mountain (opposite) is 1500 feet, and the distance from the top to the bottom of the mountain (adjacent) is 3000 feet.
2Step 2: Apply the Tangent Function
Since we know the opposite and adjacent sides of a right-angled triangle and need to find an angle, we can use the tangent function, defined as Tan(theta) = Opposite/Adjacent. This translates into Tan(theta) = 1500/3000.
3Step 3: Solve for Angle
Now, take the inverse tangent of both sides to solve for theta, the unknown angle. Thus, theta = arctan(1500/3000). Eco sure to convert this calculation to degrees, if your calculator is set to radians.
4Step 4: Calculate the Angle
Perform the calculation theta = arctan(1500/3000) to find the angle of elevation from the base of the mountain to the top.