Question

A shoreline observation post is located on a cliff such that the observer is 280 feet above sea level. The observer spots a ship approaching the shore and the ship is traveling at a constant speed.
Requried:
a. When the observer initially spots the ship, the angle of depression for the observer's vision is 6 degrees. At this point in time, how far is the ship from the shore?
b. After watching the ship for 43 seconds, the angle of depression for the observer's vision is 16 degrees. At this point in time, how far is the ship from the shore?

Answer 1

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

a) D/280 = tan(90 - 6)

   D = 280tan84 = 2,664 ft

b) D/280 = tan(90 - 16)

   D = 280tan74 = 976 ft

ship speed = (2664 - 976) / 43 = 39.2 ft/s