Download Solving Problems Involving Two Right Triangles

MCF 3M1 Unit 8 N Two Right-Triangle Trigonometry Problems
To solve a problem involving two right triangles using trigonometry:
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Draw and label a diagram showing the given information, and the measure to be found.
Identify any right-triangles that can be used to solve the problem and plan how to use each.
Solve the problem and show each step in your solution.
Write a concluding statement giving the answer.
Example 1
Some students want to find the heights of two buildings. They go to the roof of the shorter building and
use a clinometer to measure the angle of elevation of the top of the taller building. From the same
position, the students measure the angle of depression of the base of the taller building. The students
return to the ground to measure the horizontal distance between the two buildings. Finally, the students
draw this diagram. How tall is each building?
Example 2
How would you calculate the length of AD using the information provided? Show all your steps.
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