7.9Angles of Elevation and Depression
Quick Answer
Angle of elevation: measured upward from horizontal to a line of sight. Angle of depression: measured downward from horizontal. Both are acute angles and are equal when the horizontal lines are parallel (alternate interior angles).
Essential Question
How do angles of elevation and depression create right triangles that can be solved with trigonometry?
Learning Goals
- 1Define angle of elevation and angle of depression.
- 2Draw and label a right triangle from a word problem.
- 3Use trig ratios to find heights and distances.
- 4Recognize that elevation and depression angles are equal for parallel horizontals.
Key Vocabulary
Angle of elevation
The angle measured upward from the horizontal to a line of sight.
Angle of depression
The angle measured downward from the horizontal to a line of sight.
Full lesson content coming soon
Worked examples, guided practice problems, a workbook, quiz, and downloadable PDF resources will be added to this lesson in Phase 2. The learning goals and vocabulary above reflect the complete lesson scope.