SAT Math: Right Triangle Word Problems
21+ practice questions in Praczo
The concept, explained
- 1
Word problems involving heights, shadows, or distances often require setting up a right triangle.
- 2
Angle of Elevation: Looking UP from the horizontal. Angle of Depression: Looking DOWN from the horizontal.
- 3
Important: The angle of elevation from the bottom to the top equals the angle of depression from the top to the bottom (alternate interior angles).
- 4
Once the triangle is drawn, use SOH CAH TOA to relate the given angle and side to the unknown side.
- ✗ Placing the angle of depression inside the top of the triangle incorrectly (it is measured from a horizontal line extending OUTWARD, not from the vertical pole/building).
- ✗ Mixing up Sine, Cosine, and Tangent when setting up the ratio.
SAT-style practice
A surveyor stands 50 feet away from the base of a building. The angle of elevation to the top of the building is 40°. Which expression represents the height of the building?
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