Table of contents
- 0. Review of College Algebra4h 43m
- 1. Measuring Angles39m
- 2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles2h 5m
- 3. Unit Circle1h 19m
- 4. Graphing Trigonometric Functions1h 19m
- 5. Inverse Trigonometric Functions and Basic Trigonometric Equations1h 41m
- 6. Trigonometric Identities and More Equations2h 34m
- 7. Non-Right Triangles1h 38m
- 8. Vectors2h 25m
- 9. Polar Equations2h 5m
- 10. Parametric Equations1h 6m
- 11. Graphing Complex Numbers1h 7m
2. Trigonometric Functions on Right Triangles
Solving Right Triangles
4:56 minutes
Problem 55b
Textbook Question
Textbook QuestionSolve each problem.See Examples 3 and 4. Angle of Depression of a Light A company safety committee has recommended that a floodlight be mounted in a parking lot so as to illuminate the employee exit, as shown in the figure. Find the angle of depression of the light to the nearest minute.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Angle of Depression
The angle of depression is the angle formed by a horizontal line and the line of sight to an object below that horizontal line. In practical terms, it is measured from the observer's eye level down to the object. Understanding this concept is crucial for solving problems involving heights and distances, particularly in scenarios like the one described, where a floodlight's position relative to the ground is analyzed.
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Trigonometric Ratios
Trigonometric ratios, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, relate the angles of a triangle to the lengths of its sides. In the context of the angle of depression, these ratios can be used to calculate unknown distances or angles based on known measurements. For example, if the height of the floodlight and the distance to the point of interest are known, trigonometric functions can help determine the angle of depression.
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Right Triangle Properties
Right triangle properties are fundamental in trigonometry, as they provide the basis for applying trigonometric ratios. In problems involving angles of depression, the scenario often forms a right triangle where one leg represents the height of the light and the other leg represents the horizontal distance to the point of interest. Recognizing and applying these properties is essential for accurately solving the problem.
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