Pre Cal Notes 5.4 Applying Trigonometric Functions
We can use the trig functions to solve problems involving right triangles.
Do you remember the following?
You try
7. The circus has arrived and the workers are putting up the main tent. A tab is located on the side of
the tent 40 feet above the group. A rope is tied to the tent at this point and then the rope is placed
around a stake on the ground. If the angle that the rope makes with the ground is 52⁰15’ a.) how long is
the rope? B.) what is the distance between the bottom of the tent and the stake?
8. A regular hexagon is inscribed in a circle with a diameter of 26.6 cm. Find the apothem of the
hexagon.
Angle of Elevation and Angle of Depression
What special relationship exists between the angle of
elevation and depression?
Do together:
9. Two buildings are 30 feet apart. The angle of
elevation from the top of one to the top of the
other is 19 degrees. What is their difference in
height?
10. An observer at the top of a lighthouse determines that the angles of depression of 2
sailboats directly in line with the lighthouse are 3.5⁰ and 3.75⁰. If the observer is 125 feet
above the seas level then find the distance between the boats.