49 While standing on top of a hill at a ski resort, Lisa spots the ski lodge below. If the vertical height of the hill is 1209 ft and the angle of

Lisa’s line of sight to the ski lodge forms a right triangle with the hill, where the height represents one side. This scenario is a classic example of trigonometry in action, where you can use the sine, cosine, or tangent functions to determine distances and angles. For instance, if you know the angle of elevation to the lodge, you could calculate the horizontal distance from Lisa to the lodge using the tangent function.

Ski resorts often have various ways to measure angles and distances, such as GPS technology and digital slope maps. This not only helps in navigating trails but also in designing skiing routes that are both challenging and safe. Understanding these measurements can enhance the skiing experience by fostering better planning on the slopes!