Question

a meteorologist measures the angle of elevation of a weather balloon with the ground as 41. A radio signal from the balloon indicates that it is 1503 m from his location. to the nearest meter, how high above the ground in the balloon ?

Answer 1

Here you would use right triangle trig (SOH CAH TOA)
So first draw a right triangle. Imagine youre standing at the angle opposite the right angle which is the one on the ground.This angle is the 41°. Now Imagine the balloon is as the angle above the right triangle. Well since the balloon is 1503 m from his location this would be the hypotenuse. SInce we are trying to find the height (x) we would use sine since
sine = opposite/hypotenuse . Now lets solve make sure calculator is in degree mode:

sin41 = x/1503      multiply both sides by 1503 to cancel it out
1503sin41 = x        plug into calculator
x = 986.057 ft
The balloon is 986.057 feet above the ground.

Answer 2

In the right triangle the hypotenuse is the distance indicated by the radio signal, 1503 m, and the angle is 41°.

The opposed leg to 41° is the height of the ballon.

Then you can use the sine trigonometric function.

sine (41°) = opposed leg / hypotenuse = x / 1503 m => x = 1503m * sine(41°)

=> x = 986m.

Answer: 986m