The angle of depression from an air traffic control tower to an airplane on the runway is 72 degrees. If the tower is 354 feet tall, how far is the airplane from the base of the tower?

115.02 feet

Step-by-step explanation:

The angle of depression from an air traffic control tower to an airplane on the runway is 72 degrees. If the tower is 354 feet tall, how far is the airplane from the base of the tower?

We solve this question using the Trigonometric function of tan

tan x = Opposite/Adjacent

x = Angle of depression = 72°

Opposite = Height of the tower = 354 feet

Adjacent = Distance of the airplane from the base of the tower = y

Hence,

tan 72 = 354/y

Cross Multiply

tan 72 × y = 354

y = 354/tan 72

y = 115.02157247 feet

Approximately = 115.02 feet

Therefore, the distance of the airplane from the base of the tower is 115.02 feet