Math Homework

Right Triangle Trigonometry and Tall Structures

Choose a tall structure from somewhere in the world, like the Washington Monument, the Eiffel Tower,

the Space Needle in Seattle, or something taller, like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. If you want some ideas to

choose from, Wikipedia has a list of tall buildings and structures

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_tallest_buildings_and_structures). We specifically want to note

the name of the structure/building, city, and height in feet, as well as whatever website you used for

your information.

Name of structure/building:

City:

Height: feet

Website/Source:

An observer stands at different distances from your structure. Use right triangle trigonometry to find

the angle between ground level and the top of the structure (in degrees) for each of the different

distances. Which trigonometric function should you use if you have the horizontal and the building

height?

Horizontal Distance (ft.)

100 ft. 200 ft. 500 ft. 1000 ft. 2000 ft. 5000 ft.

Angle of Elevation(degrees)

Assume each of those horizontal distances was the length of the shadow of the building at different

times of day. Could we use the building and the shadow as an oversized urban sun dial?