SOLUTION: From an airplane at an altitude of 1200 m, the angle of depression to a building on the ground measures 28°. Find the distance from the plane to the building.

Algebra ->  Trigonometry-basics -> SOLUTION: From an airplane at an altitude of 1200 m, the angle of depression to a building on the ground measures 28°. Find the distance from the plane to the building.       Log On


   



Question 1192563: From an airplane at an altitude of 1200 m, the angle of depression to a building on the ground measures 28°. Find the distance from the plane to the building.

Answer by ikleyn(52908) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
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Make a sketch.


In the sketch, find a right angled triangle.


The triangle' leg is 1200 m (vertical). It is the height of the plane, H.


The opposite angle of the triangle is 28°.


They want you find the hypotenuse c.


    sin(28°) = c%2FH = c%2F1200.


From this equation,  c = 1200*sin(28°).


Use your calculator to get the answer.

Solved.