Question

The angle of elevation to the top of a skyscraper is measured to be 2° from a point on the ground 1 mile from the building. How tall is the skyscraper?

Answer 1

See picture below for a geometric view.

Let x = height of building

We use basic trigonometry to find x.

The tangent function = opposite side of right triangle OVER adjacent side of right triangle.

tan(2°) = x/1

Solve for x.

After multiplying both sides by 1 (here 1 represents 1 mile), we get

tan(2°) = x.

We now use the calculator to find x.

In fact, you can take it from here. Use your calculator.