In order to rescue Sela's cat, her mother propped a 19 foot long ladder against a tree at a 42° angle with the ground. How many feet above the ground was their cat? Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

12.7 feet

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this question, we use the trigonometric function of Sine

sin θ = Opposite side/Hypotenuse

θ = 42°

Hypotenuse = 19 foot ladder

Opposite side = Distance of the cat from the ground(height of the tree)= unknown

sin 42° = Opposite/19 feet

Opposite = sin 42° × 19

Opposite = 12.713481521 feet

Approximately to the nearest tenth of a foot = 12.7 feet.

Therefore, the cat was 12.7 feet above the ground.