Trigonometry and Rocket Height Problems

Neal observes a rocket at an 11-degree angle of elevation from a distance of five miles. The problem involves calculating the rocket's height using trigonometry. By visualizing the scenario as a right triangle, the tangent function is applied to set up an equation. Solving this equation provides the rocket's height, which is approximately 0.97 miles.

What is the angle of elevation from Neal's position to the rocket?

• 15 degrees

• 25 degrees

• 11 degrees

• 20 degrees

How far is Neal from the rocket's launch pad?

• 4 miles

• 3 miles

• 5 miles

• 6 miles

What does the angle of elevation represent in this context?

• The angle between the rocket and the launch pad

• The angle between the ground and Neal's line of sight to the rocket

• The angle between Neal and the launch pad

• The angle between the rocket and the ground

What shape is formed by Neal, the launch pad, and the rocket?

• Rectangle

• Square

• Circle

• Right triangle

Which trigonometric function is used to solve for the height of the rocket?

• Secant

• Tangent

• Cosine

• Sine

In the equation set up to find the height, what does the tangent of 11 degrees equal?

• Height over distance

• Distance minus height

• Distance over height

• Height times distance

What is the final step to solve for the height of the rocket?

• Divide both sides by 5

• Multiply both sides by 5

• Add 5 to both sides

• Subtract 5 from both sides

What is the approximate height of the rocket in miles?

• 0.87 miles

• 1.02 miles

• 0.92 miles

• 0.97 miles

Why is it important to round the final answer to the nearest hundredth?

• To ensure precision in measurement

• To make the number smaller

• To simplify the calculation

• To make the number larger