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You are here: Experts > Science > Math for Kids > Word Problems > Trig
Expert: Scott A Wilson - 11/1/2009
Question
I need help with this word problem, please:
A building contractor is planning to use a ladder to reach a window. If an 18-ft ladder leans against the building, with an angle of elevation of 63, how far up the building will the ladder reach? Will the contractor be able to reach a window 16 feet above ground level? Show work.
Answer
The ladder is the hypoteneuse of a right triangle. The ground is the horizontal edge and the building is the vertical edge. The base angle is 63° and the side is 18'.
The height h is given by sin(63°) = h/18'.
This says that h = 18•sin(63°).
Now sin(63°) = 2.1991, so 18•sin(63°) = 39.6'.
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