Question

A ramp makes an acute angle with respect to the horizontal. Any two points along either edge of the ramp that are 12 feet apart differ in their horizontal positions by 11.5 feet. Give the value of in degrees. Round your answer to four decimal places

Answer 1

Answer: 43.7811 feet

Explanation:

Hi, since the situation forms a right triangle (see attachment) we have to apply the next trigonometric function.

Tan α = opposite side / adjacent side

Where α is the acute angle with respect to the horizontal (x), the opposite side is the height of the ramp, and the adjacent side is the horizontal distance between the ramp edges.

Replacing with the values given:

Tan x = 11.5/ 12

Solving for x

x = arc tan (11.5/12)

x = 43.7811 feet

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