# Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right

• Dec 10th 2011, 11:11 AM
hotboxdriver
Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
Two observers 5000m apart, standing at A and B measure the angle of elevation to a weather balloon at H as 47degrees and 71degrees. Find the height of the weather balloon correct to the nearest metre.

Not certain about my answer to this question. This is what i came up with

a = c
Sin A Sin C Sin71= opposite
5000m*Sin47=a Hypotenuse
Sin62 Sin71=X
5000m*Sin47=a 4142sin71
a=4142 X= 3916

Is it right ?
• Dec 10th 2011, 11:20 AM
hotboxdriver
Re: Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
Its gonna be difficult to read. When posting, it manipulates the order that i had written. Now it just disorganized and confusing. Plus i don't know how formulate the math portion.
• Dec 10th 2011, 11:35 AM
terminator
Re: Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
your angles are A = 47, B = 71, C = 62

5000/ sin 62 = b/ sin 71

b = 337.83 = 338 m

sin 47 = x/ 338

x = 338 x 0.73 = 246. 74 = 247 m
• Dec 10th 2011, 11:58 AM
hotboxdriver
Re: Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
wouldn't it then be 5000/Sin62*sin71

If you're right then i guess have some work to do

Thanks for the help
• Dec 10th 2011, 02:17 PM
skeeter
Re: Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
looks like you are correct.

law of sines ...

$\frac{a}{\sin(71)} = \frac{5000}{\sin(62)}$

$a = \frac{5000\sin(71)}{\sin(62)}$

$h = a \sin(47) \approx 3916 \, m$
• Dec 10th 2011, 02:23 PM
hotboxdriver
Re: Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
I knew i was right. I should now be able to hand in my work with some confidence.
Thanks
• Dec 10th 2011, 02:29 PM
terminator
Re: Trying to determine the height of a weather balloon. I think i have it right
I've just realized that my calculator was in radians so my sin 47, sin 62, sin 71 were not accurate. Your were right.