Trigonometry and Building Heights

This video tutorial guides viewers through solving a SAT math problem involving the calculation of a building's height using trigonometry. The problem is set up by forming a right triangle with a given angle of elevation and distance from the building. The tangent function is used to create an equation, which is then solved to find the height. The video also demonstrates how to use a calculator to ensure the correct mode is set and how to round the final answer to the nearest foot.

What is the angle of elevation to the top of the building?

• 60 degrees

• 45 degrees

• 27 degrees

• 15 degrees

How far are you standing from the base of the building?

• 200 feet

• 150 feet

• 120 feet

• 100 feet

What type of triangle is formed by the building, the ground, and the line of sight to the top of the building?

• Right triangle

• Scalene triangle

• Equilateral triangle

• Isosceles triangle

Which trigonometric function relates the opposite side to the adjacent side in a right triangle?

• Cosine

• Secant

• Sine

• Tangent

What is the formula for tangent of an angle in a right triangle?

• Adjacent/Opposite

• Opposite/Adjacent

• Adjacent/Hypotenuse

• Opposite/Hypotenuse

What is the equation used to find the height of the building?

• h = 150 / tan(27 degrees)

• h = 150 * tan(27 degrees)

• h = 150 * cos(27 degrees)

• h = 150 * sin(27 degrees)

What should you ensure about your calculator before calculating the height?

• It is in radian mode

• It is in degree mode

• It is in scientific mode

• It is in standard mode

What is the approximate height of the building after calculation?

• 70 feet

• 85 feet

• 76 feet

• 80 feet

To what should the final answer be rounded?

• Nearest tenth

• Nearest whole number

• Nearest hundredth

• Nearest thousandth

What is the final answer choice for the height of the building?

• B. 72

• A. 70

• C. 76

• D. 80