Introduction to Height and Distance

Definition of Height and Distance Formula

The height and distance formula in trigonometry refers to using trigonometric
ratios—such as sine, cosine, and tangent—to calculate unknown heights and
distances in a right triangle. These calculations often rely on measuring the angle
of elevation or depression between two points and applying trigonometric ratios
to determine distances or heights.

Importance in Real Life

The height and distance formula is essential in various real-life applications,
such as:

• Architecture and Construction: Determining the heights of buildings,

bridges, or towers without direct measurement.
• Navigation and Aviation: Calculating the distance or altitude of an
aircraft relative to a certain point on the ground.
• Surveying and Land Measurement: Measuring inaccessible areas or
structures, such as mountains or valleys.
• Astronomy: Determining distances between celestial bodies based on
angles observed from Earth.
 Founders of trigonometry
Much of trigonometry as a subject of knowledge owes itself to early contributions
by early mathematicians Hipparchus, Aryabhata, and Brahmagupta. I can break
their contributions one after the other.

Hipparchus of Nicaea (fl. c. 190-120 BCE)

• Hipparchus is often considered the "father of trigonometry" because he is
credited with the first work on a table of chord lengths, which is a
precursor to the sine function. This table helped him calculate arc lengths
and angles in a circle.
• He applied his tables to calculate solutions of problems in spherical
geometry, mainly in distance and position issues, revolutionising how such
astronomical calculations were done.
• Indeed, the tables of trigonometric figures that Hipparchus built were used
much later to form the very basis for the more developed trigonometric
tables utilized in his famous work Almagest by another Greek
mathematician and astronomer, Ptolemy.

Aryabhata (476–550 CE)

• Sine and Versed Sine Functions: The Indian mathematician Aryabhata
invented the term ardha-jya (half-chord), which essentially translates to
the modern sine function. His works are thus one of the first usages of
what is now called the sine function.
• Introduction of Approximate Values: Aryabhata also provided accurate
trigonometric value representations at intervals of 3.75° which are drawn
from some kind of geometric rationale rather than direct observation.
• Astronomical Applications: Aryabhata used trigonometric principles to
calculate the motion of celestial bodies and used trigonometry to predicts
 • solar and lunar eclipses, which was a revolutionary step for astronomy
during his time

Brahmagupta (598-668 CE)

• Continuing the contributions of Aryabhata, Brahmagupta further enhanced
the precision associated with trigonometric operations and expanded the
applicability of trigonometric tables. He provided even closer
approximations for the values of sine and cosine.
• Rules for Spherical Trigonometry: It contains some of the first formulations
in spherical trigonometry that acts as a background against astronomical
calculations and perception of celestial motion. He introduced interpolation
techniques to get greater accuracy in the computation of trigonometric
calculus, thereby achieving a much more accurate output.
 Basic Trigonometric Ratios: Sine, Cosine,
and Tangent
In a right-angled triangle, the trigonometric ratios—sine, cosine, and tangent—
are relationships between the angles and side lengths. These ratios help us find
unknown sides or angles in the triangle, which is essential in solving problems
involving height, distance, and angles.

1. Sine Ratio (sin⁡)

• Definition: Sine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the opposite side to
the hypotenuse.
• Formula: sin⁡(θ)=Opposite/Hypotenuse
• The sine ratio is commonly used to find the height of an object when the
angle of elevation and the hypotenuse distance are known.

2. Cosine Ratio (cos⁡)

• Definition: Cosine of an angle is the ratio of the length of the adjacent side
to the hypotenuse.
• Formula: cos⁡(θ)=Adjacent/Hypotenuse
• The cosine ratio is useful for finding the horizontal distance from an
observer to the base of an object when the hypotenuse length and angle
are known.

3. Tangent Ratio (tan⁡)

• Definition: Tangent of an angle is the ratio of the length of the opposite side
to the adjacent side.
• Formula: tan⁡(θ)=opposite/Adjacent
• Tangent is often used to calculate the height of an object when the angle of
elevation and the distance from the observer to the object’s base (adjacent
side) are known.
Relationship between Trigonometric Ratios, Angles, and Distances
Trigonometric ratios are essential in relating the angles within a triangle to the
lengths of its sides. For a given angle in a right triangle:

• Sine helps relate the angle to the vertical distance (opposite) relative to the
hypotenuse.
• Cosine connects the angle to the horizontal distance (adjacent) with respect
to the hypotenuse.
• Tangent directly relates the angle to the ratio between the opposite and
adjacent sides, useful when no hypotenuse information is provided.
Angle of Elevation and Angle of
Depression
Definitions
• Angle of Elevation: This is the angle formed between the horizontal line of
sight and the line of sight up to an object. It is used when observing
something above the observer’s eye level.
• Angle of Depression: This is the angle formed between the horizontal line
of sight and the line of sight down to an object. It is used when observing
something below the observer’s eye level.

Difference Between Elevation and Depression

• The angle of elevation is measured upward from the horizontal, while the
angle of depression is measured downward from the horizontal.
• Both angles are measured with respect to the observer's line of sight, but
they point in opposite directions (one up, one down).

Real-Life Examples

1. Angle of Elevation:
a. When a person on the ground looks up at the top of a tall building,
the angle between their line of sight and the horizontal ground is the
angle of elevation.
b. An observer on the ground looking up at an airplane in the sky is
also measuring an angle of elevation.
2. Angle of Depression:
a. When someone standing at the top of a lighthouse looks down at a
boat approaching the shore, the angle between the horizontal line of
sight from their eyes and the line toward the boat is the angle of
depression.
b. A mountain climber looking down at the base of the mountain from
the peak observes an angle of depression.
 Right Triangle Basics

In a right triangle (a triangle with one 90° angle), the sides are labeled based on
their relationship to a specific angle, making it easier to apply trigonometric ratios
and formulas.

Identifying the Sides of a Right Triangle

1. Hypotenuse
- The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle.

- It is always opposite the right angle (90°).

- For example, in a triangle where one angle is 90°, the side opposite this angle
is the hypotenuse

2. opposite Side
- The side opposite the angle of interest (other than the 90° angle) is called the
opposite side.

- This side changes depending on which angle we’re referencing in the triangle.

3. Adjacent Side
- The adjacent side is the side that forms the angle of interest, excluding the
hypotenuse.

- It’s the side “next to” the angle of interest but is not the hypotenuse.

Example:
If we have a right triangle ABC, where:

- ∠A is 90°

- We’re interested in angle ∠B

Then:

- Side AC is the hypotenuse

- Side BC (opposite ∠B) is the opposite side

- Side AB (next to ∠B) is the adjacent side

Pythagorean Theorem as a Foundation for Trigonometric Calculations

The Pythagorean theorem is fundamental in trigonometry because it establishes
the relationship between the sides of a right triangle. It states that in any right
triangle:

(Hypotenuse)^2 = (Adjacent side)2 + (Opposite side) ^2

Or, symbolically:

c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Where:

• c represents the hypotenuse,

• a and b are the other two sides (opposite and adjacent).

Importance of the Pythagorean Theorem in Trigonometry:

- This theorem allows us to find the length of any side of a right triangle when
the lengths of the other two sides are known.

- It’s foundational for defining the trigonometric ratios—sine, cosine, and

tangent—since these ratios are based on relationships between the triangle’s
sides (opposite, adjacent, hypotenuse)
Problem Solving Strategies for Height
and Distance Problems
Here’s a structured approach to solving height and distance problems using
trigonometry:

Step 1: identify the data given and the unknown.

• We read the problem to understand what is happening.
• -Determine what values are needed to obtain (for example, distance to the
object, angle of elevation or depression).
• Determine what is to be calculated (height, distance, or angle).

Step 2: Create a Diagram for Visualization.

• One should draw a simple diagram to depict the situation.
• Observe the triangle and label the sides and angles as hypotenuse
opposite side adjacent side angles.
• This visualization helps identify which trigonometric ratio - sine, cosine, or
tangent - is most applicable to the problem.

Step 3: Select the Right Trigonometric Ratio.

Based on the given information:

• - If you know the opposite side and want to know the adjacent side, you'll
use the tangent ratio:
• tan=opposite/adjacent
• If we have the “opposite side” and want the “hypotenuse”, then we use the
“sine” formula:
• sin=opposite/hypotenuse
•
 • If you know the “adjacent side” and require the “hypotenuse”, just use the
“cosine”:
• cos=adjacent/hypotenuse

Step 4: Setup and Solve the Equation:

• Plug the known values into the selected trigonometric ratio equation.
• One will rearrange the equation to determine the unknown variable.
• Use a calculator to evaluate if necessary, making sure the angle is in
appropriate unit, either degrees or radians.

Step 5: Interpret and Verify the Results:

• Verify whether the response will make sense in the context of the problem.
• Double-check calculations to ensure accuracy.

Word Problems on Height and Distance:

- Practical Examples and Applications:

1. Illustrative Problem: Finding the Height of a Tower

- Problem: A person measures a distance of 40 meters from a tower to its top and
makes an angle of elevation of 30°. Determine the height of the tower.

“Solution”:

One should sketch a right triangle that includes the person, the top of the tower,
and the distance between them.

- Known values: distance d = 40 meters, angle of elevation = 30°

- Using the “tangent” ratio: tan(30°) =opposite (height)/adjacent (distance)

- h = d × tan(30°)

- h = 40 × 0.577 = 23m

--- Solving word problems as trigonometric equations. Start by underlining the

keywords of the problem: angle of elevation, distance, etc. Show the diagram to
describe the relationships between the sides and angles. The appropriate
trigonometric ratio needs to be selected depending on the knowns available and
the unknowns needed. • Write an equation based on the ratio, inserting values
and solving. In doing these steps, height and distance problems become
manageable and approachable. This makes the application of trigonometry
possible in practical situations.