Instructions.
Use this simulation to investigate real-world applications of trigonometry:
-
Establish the Right Triangle: Notice the dashed lines. Where is the right-angle located in this real-world scenario? How are the terms "Horizontal" and "Height" related to "Adjacent" and "Opposite" sides?
-
Move the Observer: Drag the observer’s eye (the blue point \(P\)) horizontally along the ground line. As you get closer to the object, what happens to the height of the object? Remember the angle is fixed by the slider.
-
Adjust the Angle: While holding the observer in one place, use the slider to increase the angle \(\theta\text{.}\) How does changing the angle affect the final height calculation?
-
The Role of Tangent: Look at the trigonometric data. How do we use the tangent function to solve this problem if we know how far away the object is (\(d\)) and the angle of elevation (\(\theta\))?