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
>>
Solution Stats
Problem Comments
-
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."
Solution Comments
Show commentsProblem Recent Solvers300
Suggested Problems
-
Vectorize the digits of an Integer
321 Solvers
-
Right Triangle Side Lengths (Inspired by Project Euler Problem 39)
1788 Solvers
-
Create matrix of replicated elements
378 Solvers
-
407 Solvers
-
Flip the vector from right to left
8996 Solvers
More from this Author16
Problem Tags
Community Treasure Hunt
Find the treasures in MATLAB Central and discover how the community can help you!
Start Hunting!