Question

An observer (O) spots a plane flying at a 35° angle to his horizontal line of sight. If the plane is flying at an altitude of 17,000 feet, what is the distance (x) from the plane (P) to the observer (O)? A right triangle is shown with angle O marked 35 degrees, hypotenuse marked x, and height marked 17,000 feet. 20,757 feet 24,251 feet 29,639 feet 31,262 feet

Answer 1

Answer:

29,639ft

Step-by-step explanation:

We would be using the Trigonometric function of Sine to solve for this question because it is a right angle triangle

We are told:An observer (O) spots a plane flying at a 35° angle to his horizontal line of sight.

Angle 35° = Angle of Elevation

The plane is flying at an altitude of 17,000 feet = Height = Opposite side

The distance (x) from the plane (P) to the observer (O) = Hypotenuse

Sine function =

sin θ = opposite side/ hypothenuse

sin 30° = 17,000/ Hypotenuse

Hypotenuse × sin 30° = 17,000

Hypotenuse = 17,000ft/ sin 30°

Hypotenuse = 29638.595526ft

Approximately = 29,639ft

Therefore, the distance (x) from the plane (P) to the observer (O) is 29,639ft.