Determine the Height Project Nathan Garlick
Math 1060 Trigonometry
In the 1840's surveyors calculated the height of Mt. Everest. Their calculations were within 0.1%
of the height determined by modern satellite surveys. The early surveyors used trigonometry to
complete their calculations. Trigonometry is still used today when direct measurements or
satellite surveys are not possible or appropriate. In this project you will use trigonometry and
right triangles to determine the height of 2 objects on campus with two measurements that you
can make on the ground. All of these measurements were taken at ground level.
1. With your partner, build an inclinometer as per the instruction sheet handed out from
Quest Aerospace.
2. On a nice piece of paper neatly sketch the scenario of the object whose height you are
going to determine as shown below. For the first object choose a structure that is perpendicular
to the ground and whose base is accessible.
Stand at the base of the object and walk distance away from the object until you have a clear line
of site to its tip. Record this horizontal measurement 47 feet.
Aim the inclinometer so that you can see the very top of the object you are measuring, the string
line will naturally fall straight down (this is called plumb-bob). Record this angle of inclination
16 degrees. This angle was taken laying on the ground.
Using the measurements and the SIN trig function, in order to find the height of the tree, is
shown as seen below:
47 feet
X=16.01 feet high
16
54
For the second structure, choose an object whose base is not accessible but still perpendicular to
the ground. I have chosen Francis Peak in Farmington, Utah
Stand at some point P and measure the angle of inclination to the top of the structure, which is 36
degrees.
Now, walk away from the object to some other point Q away from P, record the distance 1
mile.
From point Q measure the angle of inclination to the top of the structure, which is 33 degrees.
Using the measurements and the correct trig relationship, solve for the length of one side of the
oblique triangle. Here is my work shown:
Now consider a right triangle whose height corresponds to your structure. Notice for this
triangle you know the length of the hypotenuse from step 10. Use the appropriate trig function to
now determine the height of your structure. Note, you must add the distance from eye level to the
ground to your measurement. This is the work shown:
36
57
1 mi
33 36
x
x=10.4 mi
) ()
As you can see, we found the height to be 5.900094 miles, adding in the
height of the object as well, with my 5 foot stature to get our accurate number.
Reflective Writing
This project was fun to go out and apply to real life situations. I felt like a surveyor or something
trying to find the real angles and length to be able to use in construction or something. Now I
know, I can find the height of anything with more accurate equipment and apply it to when I
want to build or need reference to a height I have to work with. It definitely changed the way I
think of math, and will actually use this method.
Grading Rubric
1. 1. Sketch #1..
2. 2. Labeled Clearly
3. 3. Base of Triangle
4. 4. Angle of Inclination
5. 5. Height of Structure #1.
1. 6. Sketch #2..
2. 7. Labeled Clearly
3. 8. Angle of Inclination at P and Q
4. 9. Sketch of Oblique triangle
5. 10. Length of side of Oblique triangle
6. 11. Sketch of right triangle
7. 12. Height of Structure #2..
8. 13. Neatness and Presentation
9. Total=
