Answer :

Answer:

281.5 ft

Step-by-step explanation:

The given scenario can be modelled as a right triangle where:

  • The height of the triangle represents the height of the lighthouse (65 ft).
  • The base of the triangle represents the distance between the windsurfer and the base of the lighthouse.
  • The angle between the base of the triangle and its hypotenuse represents the angle of elevation from the windsurfer to the top of the lighthouse (13°).

To find the distance (d) between he windsurfer and the base of the lighthouse, we can use the tangent trigonometric ratio:

[tex]\boxed{\begin{array}{l}\underline{\textsf{Tangent trigonometric ratio}}\\\\\sf \tan(\theta)=\dfrac{O}{A}\\\\\textsf{where:}\\\phantom{ww}\bullet\;\textsf{$\theta$ is the angle.}\\\phantom{ww}\bullet\;\textsf{$O$ is the side opposite the angle.}\\\phantom{ww}\bullet\;\textsf{$A$ is the side adjacent the angle.}\end{array}}[/tex]

In this case:

  • θ = 13°
  • O = 65
  • A = d

Substitute the values into the tangent ratio and solve for d:

[tex]\tan 13^{\circ}=\dfrac{65}{d} \\\\\\ d=\dfrac{65}{\tan 13^{\circ}} \\\\\\ d=281.5459318284...\\\\\\ d=281.5\; \sf ft\;(nearest\;tenth)[/tex]

Therefore, the windsurfer is 281.5 ft from the shore.

View image semsee45

Other Questions