Heights and distances (Trigno.)

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In summary, the Pythagorean theorem is a mathematical equation used in right triangles to find missing side lengths and distances. It cannot be used in non-right triangles, where other trigonometric ratios are necessary. In trigonometry, height refers to vertical distance and distance refers to horizontal distance. Angles of elevation and depression are used in conjunction with known distances to calculate heights and distances. Trigonometry has various real-world applications in fields such as architecture, navigation, engineering, and physics.
  • #1
Kartik.
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A man is standing on a 8 metre shadow of a 6 metre pole. The shadow of the man is 2.5 metre long. What is the height of the man?

tan a(angle of elevation) = 3/4 with respect to the pole,
stuck after that...
 
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  • #2
Hi Kartik! :smile:

Forget about tan, just use similar triangles. :wink:
 
  • #3
tiny-tim said:
Forget about tan, just use similar triangles. :wink:
The man is definitely forgetting about tan if he's standing in the shadow. :-p

(Sorry... :redface: )
 
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FAQ: Heights and distances (Trigno.)

What is the Pythagorean theorem and how is it used to find heights and distances?

The Pythagorean theorem is a mathematical equation that states: in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. This theorem is used to find missing side lengths or distances in right triangles, which can then be used to determine heights and distances in real-world scenarios.

Can the Pythagorean theorem be used in non-right triangles?

No, the Pythagorean theorem only applies to right triangles. In non-right triangles, other trigonometric ratios such as sine, cosine, and tangent must be used to calculate heights and distances.

What is the difference between height and distance in trigonometry?

In trigonometry, height refers to the vertical distance between a point and the ground, while distance refers to the horizontal distance between two points. In practical applications, height and distance can be used together to calculate the angle of elevation or depression.

How are angles of elevation and depression used to find heights and distances?

Angles of elevation and depression are used in trigonometry to calculate heights and distances. In simple terms, the angle of elevation is the angle at which an observer looks up to an object, while the angle of depression is the angle at which an observer looks down to an object. These angles can be used in conjunction with known distances to calculate the height of an object or the distance between two objects.

Can trigonometry be used in real-world applications?

Yes, trigonometry is used in a variety of real-world applications, such as architecture, navigation, engineering, and physics. For example, architects use trigonometry to calculate the heights and distances of buildings, while engineers use it to design structures such as bridges and roads. Trigonometry is also used in navigation to determine the position of ships or planes, and in physics to calculate forces and motion.

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