Right-triangle trigonometry in two dimensions
3 exam-style questions. Answers and the mark for each step are on the last page.
- Question 1
(a) A straight ramp is 4.8 m long and makes an angle of with level ground. Work out the vertical rise of the ramp. Give your answer to 2 decimal places.
- Question 2
From a point 9 m from a vertical tower on level ground, the angle of elevation of the top is .
(a) Calculate the height of the tower, to 2 decimal places.
(b) The observer walks to twice the original distance. Calculate the new angle of elevation to 1 decimal place.
- Question 3
(a) A vertical mast stands on horizontal ground at B. Points P and Q lie on a straight line with B, with P between B and Q. PQ = 35 m. The angles of elevation of the top of the mast from P and Q are and , respectively. Work out the height of the mast. Give your answer to 1 decimal place. You must show your working.
Answers and marks
Question 1
(a) m
- P1 Establishing or an equivalent valid method.
- A1 Correct answer: m
Question 2
(a) m
- M1 The height is opposite and the ground distance adjacent.
- A1 Correct answer: m
(b) °
- P1 Keep the same height and use twice the horizontal distance.
- A1 Correct answer: °
Question 3
(a) m
- P1 Let BP = x metres and mast height = h metres. Then BQ = x + 35.
- P1 Establishing or an equivalent valid method.
- A1 Correct answer: m