Question: The main span of the Mackinac Bridge (see Fig. 4.84) in northern Michigan is 1160 m long. The angle subtended by the span at the

The main span of the Mackinac Bridge (see Fig. 4.84) in northern Michigan is 1160 m long. The angle subtended by the span at the eye of an observer in a helicopter is 2.2°. Show that the distance calculated from the helicopter to the span is about the same if the line of sight is perpendicular to the end or to the middle of the span.


-1160 m 2.2 Fig. 4.84 200

-1160 m 2.2 Fig. 4.84 200

Step by Step Solution

3.35 Rating (167 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

Lets call the distance from the helicopter to the end of the span d1 and the distance from the helic... 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

Students Have Also Explored These Related Basic Technical Mathematics Questions!