To find the angle of elevation formed by the ramp, we can use the sine function in trigonometry. The sine of an angle in a right triangle is defined as the ratio of the length of the opposite side to the hypotenuse.
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Define the triangle:
- The ramp is the hypotenuse, which measures 4 ft.
- The difference in height between the two levels is the opposite side, which is 2 ft.
- The adjacent side is not needed for this calculation.
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Use the sine function: \[ \sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}} = \frac{2}{4} = 0.5 \]
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Find the angle: Now we need to find the angle \(\theta\) such that \(\sin(\theta) = 0.5\). Using a calculator or trigonometric tables, we find: \[ \theta = \arcsin(0.5) \]
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Calculate the angle: The angle whose sine is 0.5 is \(30^\circ\).
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Round to the nearest whole number: Since \(30\) is already a whole number, it remains \(30\).
Therefore, the approximate angle of elevation formed by the ramp is \(\boxed{30}\) degrees.