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.
