A person flying a kite holds the string 4 feet above ground level. The string of the kite is taut and makes an angle of 60 degrees with the horizontal. Approximate the height of the kite above level ground if 500 feet of string is payed out.

Question

A person flying a kite holds the string 4 feet above ground level.  The string of the kite is taut and makes an angle of 60 degrees with the horizontal.  Approximate the height of the kite above level ground if 500 feet of string is payed out.

bobpursley · Answer

Height= 4ft + 500cos60 Does that make sense?

Aaron · Answer

Yes it does. I will multiply cos60 which is 1/2 by 500 and add 4 feet. And I would use cos because it is adj/hyp. Is that a fairly good explanation?

MathMate · Answer

Since the angle is 60° with the horizontal, shouldn't that be 4'+500sin(θ) for the height?

Sarah · Answer

yes its 4'+500sin(60)