Question

An observer on the ground is x meters from the base of the launch pad of a rocket, which is at the same level as the observer. A few seconds after the rocket takes off vertically, the observer sees its tip at an angle of q° from the horizontal. How far above the ground is the tip of the rocket at that instant? Assume that the ground is level.


x tan q
x sin q
x cos q

Answer 1

Answer:

Tip of the rocket is x tan q meters above the ground.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the figure attached, at any moment after the launch of the rocket, tip of the rocket is at A.

AB is the height of the rocket tip from the ground and observer is x meters away from the launch pad.

Then tan q = $\frac{AB}{BC}$

         tan q = $\frac{AB}{x}$

AB = x tan q meters.

Tip of the rocket is x tan q meters above the ground.