Geometry and TrigonometryHardLength of a zip wire from its drop and angle
Geometry and Trigonometry practice question
A straight zip wire runs from a platform to the ground, making a 30° angle with the level ground. The platform is 12 metres above the ground. How long is the zip wire, in metres?
Answer: 24
The wire is the hypotenuse and the 12-metre drop is the side opposite the 30° angle: sin 30° = 12/L = 1/2, so L = 24.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 6
- 6 multiplies 12 by sin 30° instead of dividing by it.
- If you answered 20.8
- 20.8 is 12√3, the horizontal distance along the ground, not the wire.
- If you answered 13.9
- 13.9 is 12 ÷ cos 30°, using the wrong ratio for the opposite side.
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