word problem help

[Calculator]

A surveyor stands 150 m away from the centre of a church tower. The angle of elevation to the top of the tower is 38 degrees. The angle of the tip of the flagpole on top of the tower is 41 degrees. Find the height of the flagpole.

I don't want the solution, I just want a hint so that I can solve it by myself

 

[Deleted member 4993]

A surveyor stands 150 m away from the centre of a church tower. The angle of elevation to the top of the tower is 38 degrees. The angle of the tip of the flagpole on top of the tower is 41 degrees. Find the height of the flagpole.

I don't want the solution, I just want a hint so that I can solve it by myself

Draw a sketch of the situation.

Let the height of the church tower = h

Let the height of the flagpole = p

then

tan(38°) = h/150 ..........................................(1)

tan(41°) = (h+p)/150 ....................................(2)

from the two equations above - you should be able to calculate h & p.

 

[mmm4444bot]

I just want a hint

It's better to show tutors what you've been able to do thus far (or explain what you've thought about), and then ask for a hint at the point where you're stuck. This way, tutors have some idea of what you already understand versus what you need to know next.

Please take a moment to read the forum guidelines; you can start with this summary page.

Thanks! :cool:

 

[Calculator]

Draw a sketch of the situation.

Let the height of the church tower = h

Let the height of the flagpole = p

then

tan(38°) = h/150 ..........................................(1)

tan(41°) = (h+p)/150 ....................................(2)

from the two equations above - you should be able to calculate h & p.

Thanks!