Algebra and Trigonometry, 5th Edition

Applications

Right triangles can be used to model and solve many applied problems.

Example 3 Walking at Niagara Falls.

While visiting Niagara Falls, a tourist walking toward Horseshoe Falls on a walkway next to Niagara Parkway notices the entrance to the Cave of the Winds attraction directly across the Niagara River. She continues walking for another 1000 ft and finds that the entrance is still visible but at approximately a $50°$ angle to the walkway.

1. a) How many feet is she from the entrance to the Cave of the Winds?

2. b) What is the approximate ...