Angle of depression
Definition
The angle of depression is the angle formed by the line of sight and the horizontal plane when an observer looks downward. It is always measured from the horizontal down to the object being observed.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- The angle of depression is congruent to the angle of elevation when measured from the same point.
- In right triangle trigonometry, it can be used to find unknown distances or heights using trigonometric ratios like tangent.
- It is always measured with respect to a horizontal line from the observer’s eye level.
- Real-world applications include calculating the distance of an object below a certain height, such as a boat from a lighthouse.
- When solving problems involving angles of depression, it often helps to draw a diagram to visualize the scenario.
Review Questions
- What is the relationship between the angle of depression and angle of elevation?
- How can you use trigonometric ratios to find an unknown side in a right triangle involving an angle of depression?
- Why is it important to measure the angle of depression from the horizontal?
"Angle of depression" appears in:
Related terms
angleOfElevation: The angle between the line of sight and horizontal when an observer looks upward.
rightTriangle: A triangle with one angle measuring exactly 90 degrees.
tangent: A trigonometric ratio comparing opposite side to adjacent side in a right triangle.
