Question

Susan is flying a Kite, which gets caught in the top of tree. Use the diagram to estimate the length of the tree to the nearest tenth of a foot.

Answer 1

Step 1

Opposite = length of the tree L side facing right angle

Adjacent = 90 feet

Apply tangent formula to find L.

$\begin{gathered} \theta\text{ = 44} \\ \tan \theta\text{ = }\frac{Opposite}{\text{Adjacent}} \\ \tan 44\text{ = }\frac{L}{90} \\ 0.9657\text{ = }\frac{L}{90} \\ L\text{ = 90 x 0.9657} \\ L\text{ = 86.9} \end{gathered}$

Length of the tree = 86.9 feet