Solve the right triangle. If two sides are given, give angles in degrees and minutes.
-From a balloon 1161 feet high, the angle of depression to the ranger headquarters is $55 ^ { \circ } 2 { } ^ { \prime }$. How far is the headquarters from a point on the ground directly below the balloon (to the nearest foot)?
A) $817 \mathrm { ft }$
B) $802 \mathrm { ft }$
C) $812 \mathrm { ft }$
D) $807 \mathrm { ft }$

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the tangent of the angle of depression, $\tan(55^\circ 2') = \frac{1161}{x}$, where $x$ is the distance from the point directly below the balloon to the headquarters. Solving for $x$, we get approximately 812 feet.

Solve the Right Triangle 55∘2′55 ^ { \circ } 2 { } ^ { \prime }55∘2′

Solve the Right Triangle $55 ^ { \circ } 2 { } ^ { \prime }$