Question: A 20-meter line is used to tether a helium-filled balloon. The line makes an angle of approximately 85° with the ground because of a breeze.

A 20-meter line is used to tether a helium-filled balloon. The line makes an angle of approximately 85° with the ground because of a breeze.
(a) Draw a right triangle that gives a visual representation of the problem. Label the known quantities of the triangle and use a variable to represent the height of the balloon.
(b) Use a trigonometric function to write and solve an equation for the height of the balloon.
(c) The breeze becomes stronger and the angle the line makes with the ground decreases. How does this affect the triangle you drew in part(a)?
(d) Complete the table, which shows the heights (in meters) of the balloon for decreasing angle
measures θ.

Angle, 0 60° 80° 70° 50° Height 20° 10° Angle, 0 40° 30° Height

(e) As θ approaches 0°, how does this affect the height of the balloon? Draw a right triangle to explain your reasoning.

A 20-meter line is used to tether a helium-filled balloon.

Angle, 0 60 80 70 50 Height 20 10 Angle, 0 40 30 Height

Step by Step Solution

3.48 Rating (164 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

a b sin 85 o h 20 h 20 sin 85 o ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

1383-M-C-P-E(1320).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Calculus Questions!