4.8 Applications and Models

 

In this section, trigonometry is being applied to real life problems.

For these problems you will need to remember

 

Applications Involving Right Triangles

 

Angles of Elevation and Depression

The angle of elevation is the angle from the horizontal upward to an object.
 
The angle of depression is the angle from the horizontal downward to an object.

Angles of elevation and depression are equal because they are alternate interior angles.

** Remember-The angles of elevation and depression are formed with the horizontal not the vertical.





Example-

At a point 18 ft from a flagpole, the angle of elevation is . Find the height of the flagpole.

 

 

 

 

 

Longitude and Latitude

Another way to represent angle measure

The ' means minutes
In 1 degree there are 60 min

The " means seconds
In 1 degree there are 3600 seconds

Example-

 

 

 

Bearings

A bearing measures the acute angle a path or line of sight makes with a fixed north-south line.