SOLUTION: Hi, this is my question as found in the text book: "A rectangular classroom is 8m wide, 15 m long, and 3 m high. Determine the inclination of the main (longest) diagonal of the c

Click here to see ALL problems on Points-lines-and-rays

Question 198827: Hi, this is my question as found in the text book:
"A rectangular classroom is 8m wide, 15 m long, and 3 m high. Determine the inclination of the main (longest) diagonal of the classroom."
I am not sure how to determine the inclination of the diagonal, please help!
Thank you! :)
Found 2 solutions by nerdybill, josgarithmetic:
Answer by nerdybill(7384) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
First, draw a figure/diagram of the problem --it'll help you see the solution.
.
Begin by determining the diagonal of the floor: (Pythagorean)
8^2 + 15^2 = f^2
8^2 + 15^2 = f^2
64 + 225 = f^2
289 = f^2
= f
.
Now, determine the "diagonal of the classroom" using the height and 'f' above:
^2 + 3^2 = d^2
289 + 9 = d^2
298 = d^2
= d
17.26 meters = d

Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
If this "inclination" means, angle of elevation, then starting with the diagonal on the floor from nerdybill's solution, 17 is the length of the "leg" on the floor, and the other leg, from floor to height of the cieling is given as 3.

From one corner on the floor, to the opposite corner on the ceiling, the right triangle is formed, legs 17 on the floor, 3 from floor to ceiling. The angle of elevation is some x, .