Practical Applications of Trigonometry
This page demonstrates the application of trigonometric ratios to solve real-world problems, showcasing the versatility of trigonometry in real life problems.
Example Problems
- Calculating the horizontal distance between a helicopter and a campfire using the angle of depression and altitude.
- Determining the heading for a coast guard to intercept a distressed sailboat using trigonometric ratios.
- Assessing the safety of a ladder's angle against a wall using trigonometric ratios.
Highlight: These examples illustrate real life applications of trigonometry in fields such as aviation, navigation, and construction safety.
Vocabulary: Angle of elevation, angle of depression, horizontal distance, heading
Example: In the helicopter problem, the angle of depression of 40° and altitude of 400 m are used to calculate the horizontal distance of 476.7 m to the campfire.
These problems demonstrate how trigonometry can be used to solve complex real-world situations, emphasizing the importance of trigonometry in real life problems and its applications in various industries.