SOLUTION: Im not sure if this is the right subject. I am trying to help my son with his homework and I cant seem to find the information to solve this problem. Any help and explanation would

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Question 842350: Im not sure if this is the right subject. I am trying to help my son with his homework and I cant seem to find the information to solve this problem. Any help and explanation would be greatly appreciated!!!
From a height of 40m above sea level, two ships are travelling due west. The angles of depression are 45 degrees and 60 degrees. How far apart are the ships?
Answer by stanbon(75887) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
From a height of 40m above sea level, two ships are travelling due west.
The angles of depression are 45 degrees and 60 degrees. How far apart are the ships?
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Draw the picture.
You have over-lapping right triangles?
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common height of the two triangles is a 40 m tower
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the view from the ship closest to the tower is a 60 degree angle
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the view from the ship farthest from the tower is a 45 degree angle
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Equations:
tan(45) = 40/long base ;
So the long base = 40/sqrt(2)/2) = 80/sqrt(2) = 40sqrt(2) = 56 m
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tan(60) = 40/shorter base ;
So the shorter base = 40/tan(60) = 40/sqrt(3) = 23 m
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Distance between ships:: 56-23 = 33 m
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Cheers,
Stan H.