# Thread: Problems in three dimensions

1. ## Problems in three dimensions

Standing due south of a tower 50m high, the angle of elevation of the top is 26o. What is the angle of elevation after walking a distance of 120m due east?

2. ## Re: Problems in three dimensions

starting distance South of the tower's base is $d_1= \dfrac{50}{\tan(26^\circ)}$ meters

Moving 120m East, the new distance from the tower's base is $d_2=\sqrt{d_1^2 + 120^2}$ meters.

new angle of elevation = $\arctan\left(\dfrac{50}{d_2}\right)$

3. ## Re: Problems in three dimensions

Thanks for the help! But I haven't learned this method yet..

4. ## Re: Problems in three dimensions

All I used was basic right triangle trig and Pythagoras ...

If you're not familiar with those two concepts, you'll have to provide a clue as to what method(s) you do know.

5. ## Re: Problems in three dimensions

Can i have a diagram if possible? Because i dont really know where does the 50/tan(26) come from, thanks.

Ok ...

7. ## Re: Problems in three dimensions

3D sketch for the entire problem ... which you need to be able to do yourself

Thankss!!