Angle of Elevation

Definition

The angle of elevation is the angle between the horizontal line of sight and the line of sight to an object above the observer. It is a key concept in understanding the relationship between angles and right triangle trigonometry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The angle of elevation is always measured from the horizontal line of sight to the line of sight to the object above the observer.
2. The angle of elevation is used to determine the height of an object or the distance to an object when the other measurements are known.
3. In the context of right triangle trigonometry, the angle of elevation is one of the acute angles in the triangle.
4. The trigonometric ratios, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, can be used to calculate the unknown sides or angles of a right triangle when the angle of elevation is known.
5. The angle of elevation is an important concept in various applications, such as surveying, navigation, and astronomy.

Review Questions

• Explain how the angle of elevation is related to right triangle trigonometry.
  • The angle of elevation is a key concept in right triangle trigonometry because it represents one of the acute angles in a right triangle. The trigonometric ratios, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, can be used to calculate the unknown sides or angles of a right triangle when the angle of elevation is known. This allows for the determination of the height of an object or the distance to an object when the other measurements are known.
• Describe the difference between the angle of elevation and the angle of depression.
  • The angle of elevation and the angle of depression are related but distinct concepts. The angle of elevation is the angle between the horizontal line of sight and the line of sight to an object above the observer, while the angle of depression is the angle between the horizontal line of sight and the line of sight to an object below the observer. Both angles are important in understanding the relationships between angles and right triangle trigonometry, but they represent different perspectives and are used in different applications.
• Analyze how the angle of elevation can be used to solve real-world problems involving heights and distances.
  • The angle of elevation can be used to solve a variety of real-world problems involving heights and distances. For example, in surveying, the angle of elevation can be used to determine the height of a building or other structure by measuring the angle and the distance to the object. In navigation, the angle of elevation can be used to calculate the distance to an object, such as a ship or aircraft, by measuring the angle and using trigonometric ratios. In astronomy, the angle of elevation is used to determine the position and distance of celestial objects. By understanding the relationship between the angle of elevation and right triangle trigonometry, these real-world problems can be solved effectively.

Related terms

Angle of Depression: The angle of depression is the angle between the horizontal line of sight and the line of sight to an object below the observer.

Right Triangle: A right triangle is a triangle in which one of the angles is a 90-degree angle, or a right angle.

Trigonometric Ratios: Trigonometric ratios, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, are the relationships between the sides of a right triangle and the angles within it.