an airplane flies directly overhead at 540mph. 1 minute later is seen at an angle of elevation of 34 degrees. how far did the airplane fly during that time? what is the elevation of the plane?

Answer 1

make a sketch.
let P be the position of the observer and point A the position of the plane directly above him
let B be the position of the plane 1 minute later

let the height AP be h miles
mark the angle of elevation as 34°, then angle PBA = 34°
in 1 minute the plane has traveled (1/60)540 or 9 miles
so AB = 9
h/9 = tan34°
h = 9tan34° = 6.07 miles

height of plane = 6.07 miles
distance covered in 1 minute = 9 miles