Trig Word Problem

• March 28th 2010, 10:10 PM
OVechkin8
Trig Word Problem
Hi, I need some help with this problem:

"A tracking telescope, located 1.25 km from the point of a rocket launch, follows a vertically ascending rocket. Express the height h of the rocket as a function of the angle of elevation θ. Draw a diagram."

I think I have the diagram portion of the problem, but I dont know what do to to solve the problem. I someone could help, can you please include the work, thanks. I have included a picture of MY diagram which I think might be correct.
• March 28th 2010, 10:56 PM
sa-ri-ga-ma
In the right angled triangle what is tanθ?
• March 29th 2010, 10:39 AM
OVechkin8
Oh I should mention that T = where the telescope is, and r is where the rocket is
• March 29th 2010, 12:12 PM
OVechkin8
tan $\theta$ = h/1.25
• March 29th 2010, 06:36 PM
sa-ri-ga-ma
Quote:

Originally Posted by OVechkin8
tan $\theta$ = h/1.25

Yes. That is correct.
• March 29th 2010, 07:14 PM
OVechkin8
is that all I am supposed to look for?
• March 29th 2010, 08:14 PM
sa-ri-ga-ma
Quote:

Originally Posted by OVechkin8
is that all I am supposed to look for?

Express the height h of the rocket as a function of the angle of elevation θ. Draw a diagram."
That is what the problem requires.
• March 29th 2010, 09:01 PM
OVechkin8
I understand that, but I'm not sure of what exactly I am supposed to be looking for.
• March 29th 2010, 09:58 PM
sa-ri-ga-ma
Quote:

Originally Posted by OVechkin8
I understand that, but I'm not sure of what exactly I am supposed to be looking for.

h = 1.25*tanθ
• March 29th 2010, 10:18 PM
OVechkin8
gotcha, i got it, thanks uncle-ji