Geometry and TrigonometryMediumDistance to a cliff from an angle of elevation
Geometry and Trigonometry practice question
From a boat, the angle of elevation to the top of a vertical cliff 60 metres high is 45°. How far, in metres, is the boat from the base of the cliff?
Answer: 60
tan 45° = 1 = 60/d, so d = 60.
Common wrong answers
- If you answered 30
- 30 halves the height.
- If you answered 85
- 85 is roughly 60√2, the line of sight to the top, not the horizontal distance.
- If you answered 120
- 120 doubles the height.
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