document.write( "Question 373472: I have a \"lake\" which is really an irregular blob kind of shape. There are two points on either side of the \"lake\", A, and B. I need to know how to find the width of the \"lake\" without using a boat or getting my feet wet. Thanks (: \n" ); document.write( "

Algebra.Com's Answer #265982 by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) $\"\"$ $\"About$

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There are two points on either side of the \"lake\", A, and B. I need to know how to find the width
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\n" ); document.write( "Assume you are on the B side of the lake. Mark off a line from B which is 90
\n" ); document.write( "degrees from the line of sight to A. Choose a value like 100'. Call that point C
\n" ); document.write( "Measure the angle from C to a line of sight to A:
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\n" ); document.write( "To use an example: Line BC = 100', angle C = 50 degrees, Find AB (the width of the lake)
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\n" ); document.write( "Use the tangent of angle of 50 degrees (side opposite/side adjacent)
\n" ); document.write( "tan(50) = $\"%28AB%29%2F100\"$
\n" ); document.write( "1.19 = $\"%28AB%29%2F100\"$
\n" ); document.write( "100*1.19 = AB
\n" ); document.write( "119' = AB; the width of the lake, in this example \n" ); document.write( "

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