A balloon is flying west of two trigonometry students who are 7 miles apart. The angles of elevation of the two students to the balloon are 15 and 28 degrees. Approximate how high the balloon is flying.

Answer 1

As usual, draw a diagram. It is clear that if the nearer student is x away from the spot under the balloon, then

h/x = tan 28°
h/(x+7) = tan 15°

Eliminate x and you have

h/tan28° = h/tan15° - 7
Now just solve for h

Answer 2

vhj

Answer 3

56.78feet

Answer 4

If the set is 25ft, and angle A is 22.5 degrees, the travel is how many ft?