SOLUTION: If the shadow of a pole 7m high is =1/2 its length,what is the angle of elevation of sun correct to the nearest degree

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Question 1203469: If the shadow of a pole 7m high is =1/2 its length,what is the angle of elevation of sun correct to the nearest degree
Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, math_tutor2020:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39618) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Draw and label figure described.
One way to think of it is, for that angle elevation to the sun, a then
tan%28a%29=7%2F%283%261%2F2%29=2.
.
.

Answer by math_tutor2020(3817) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

The pole is 7 meters tall. Half of this is 3.5 meters which is the shadow length.
x = unknown angle of elevation

Draw a right triangle with:
vertical leg = 7 = opposite angle x
horizontal leg = 3.5 = adjacent to angle x


tan(angle) = opposite/adjacent
tan(x) = 7/3.5
tan(x) = 2
x = arctan(2)
x = 63.434948822922
x = 63 degrees
Arctan is the same as inverse tangent. Make sure that your calculator is in degree mode.


Answer: 63 degrees (approximate)