SOLUTION: Charlie is at a small airfield watching for the approach of a small plane with engine trouble. He sees the plane at an angle of elevation of 32 . At the same time, the pilot radios

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Question 611923: Charlie is at a small airfield watching for the approach of a small plane with engine trouble. He sees the plane at an angle of elevation of 32 . At the same time, the pilot radios Charlie and reports the plane’s altitude is 1,700 feet. Charlie’s eyes are 5.2 feet from the ground. Draw a sketch of this situation (you do not need to submit the sketch).

Find the ground distance from Charlie to the plane. Explain your work.

Answer by sassyixxy(1) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
an(x) = opposite over adjacent
tan(32) = (1,700 - 5.2) / x
x tan(32) = 1,694.8
x = 1,694.8/ (tan(32))
x = 2712.25 feet