document.write( "<A HREF=/cgi-bin/jump-to-question.mpl?question=3926>Question 3926</A>: <I><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> Tue. 6/21/05<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Frequently in the course of my job as an electrical estimator, I must determine the height of existing parking lot light poles from the ground. Given the fact that I cannot physically measure a standing pole from the ground (it could be 35 - 40' tall), shouldn't I be able to accurately determine the height of a light pole from the ground, using trigonometry? For example, can I measure off 20' along the ground and assume a Right Triangle with the pole being the adjacent side to solve the equation? <BR>\n" );
document.write( "I am decidedly math handicapped and am looking for an easy and repeatable way to measure light poles from the ground. I am anxiously looking forward to your reply.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Best Regards,<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Keith  </SPAN>\n" );
document.write( "</I><HR><TABLE width=100%><TR><TD><B><A HREF=http://www.algebra.com/>Algebra.Com's</A> Answer #327391 by </B><A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=cleomenius><B>cleomenius(959)</B></A><img src=\"/images/stars/stars-11.gif\" alt=\"\" >&nbsp;<A HREF=/tutors/aboutme.mpl?userid=cleomenius><IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/images/aboutme-small.gif BORDER=0 alt=\"About Me\" VALIGN=MIDDLE></A>&nbsp;<IMG SRC=http://www.algebra.com/cgi-bin/show-face.mpl?user=cleomenius><BR>You can <A HREF=\"/cgi-bin/embed-solution.mpl?show=1&solution=327391\">put this solution on YOUR website!</A><BR><SPAN STYLE=\"word-break: break-all;\"> You should also be able to do this using ratios.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Standing next to the pole, measure your shadow from the sun.\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "If you know your height to be 72 inches and you shadow is 60 inches,\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "measure the shadow of the pole. \r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "For example, if the pole shadow is 240 inches, you can set up a ratio\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "your height = 72<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Your shadow = 60<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Pole height = x<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Pole shadow = 240\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "Your ratio will be 72/60   = x/240\r<BR>\n" );
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document.write( "You can solve for x, and you height will come out to be 288 inches, which will <BR>\n" );
document.write( "come out to be 24 feet.<BR>\n" );
document.write( "Cleomenius\r<BR>\n" );
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