Question

Find, to the nearest degree, the angle of elevation of the sun at a time when a tree 20 feet high casts a shadow 12 feet long .

Answer 1

Angle of elevation of sun = 59°

Explanation:

Given:

Height of tree = 20 feet

Shadow of tree on ground = 12 feet

Find:

Angle of elevation of sun

Computation:

Height of tree = Perpendicular

Shadow of tree on ground = Base

Using trigonometry function;

Tanθ = Perpendicular / Base

Tanθ = 20 / 12

Tanθ = 1.66

Tanθ = Tan 59°

θ = 59°

So,

Angle of elevation of sun = 59°