Problem 336. Similar Triangles - find the height of the tree
Given the height, h1, of a power pole, shorter than a tree, a given distance, x2 away, please find h2, height of the tree. Please note that the angle, phi, is the acute angle measured from the ground to an observer's line of sight aimed to the sucessive peaks of the power pole and the tree, in that order. Also the distance from the observer to the power pole is x1, also a given. x2 is the distance between the tree and the power pole. In all tests x1 is always a multiple of x2.
Inputs: h1, x1, x2
Output: h2
HINT: find phi, given h1 and x1. Phi may be measured in degrees or radians. Note that default trig functions in MATLAB operate in radians.
EX: x1 = 4; x2 = 4; h1 = 3;
>>h2=findHeight(x1,x2,h1)
h2=6
>>
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4 Comments
No need for finding / calculating any phi or angle here. Just simpler than it is written.
The math is easy. Understanding the question isn't.
Totally left out of the problem: The observer's eye is at ground level; he must have dug a hole in the ground and laid down.. The top of the tree is just behind the top of the power pole from that viewpoint.
@GeeTwo, The problem statement perfectly describes the question and what is asked of the user.
What you think is left out, is also mentioned -
"Please note that the angle, phi, is the acute angle measured from the ground to an observer's line of sight aimed to the sucessive peaks of the power pole and the tree, in that order."
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