angles of elevation and depression (Old Faithful geyser)

[keri__lynn]

i am having trouble with this problem as well....

USE THIS FOLLOWING INFORMATION :
Kirk visits Yellowstone Park and Old Faithful on a perfect day. His eyes are 6 feet from the ground, and the geyser can reach heights ranging from 90 feet to 184 feet.

In the afternoon, kirk returns and observes the geyser's spray reach a height of 123 feet when the angle of elevation is 37 degrees. How far from the geyser is Kirk standing to the nearest tenth of a foot?

 

[Loren]

Re: angles of elevation and depression

This problem assumes that Old Faithful is situated on level ground, which it is not. Nevertheless, have you drawn a sketch? You should have a right triangle with lower acute angle of 37° and the opposite side measuring 117 ft (123-6). Using the definition of tangent you should be able to answer the question.

If you need more help, please show us what you have done and where you are stumped.