Apply trig ratios to real-world problems involving angles of elevation, depression, and indirect measurement.
Step 1: Draw a diagram and identify the right triangle. Step 2: Label the known values and the unknown. Step 3: Choose the right ratio (SOH-CAH-TOA) based on what you know and what you need. Step 4: Solve. Angle of elevation: Angle measured UP from horizontal. Angle of depression: Angle measured DOWN from horizontal. Key insight: The angle of elevation from point A to B equals the angle of depr…
Example: From the top of a 60 m lighthouse, the angle of depression to a boat is 20°. How far is the boat from the base? (tan 20° approx 0.364)
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