How can I solve this right triangle problem?

Question

The base of a fountain of water has a radius of 2.388 meters. The angle of elevation is 55 degrees to the top of the fountain of water. Since it's a right triangle, the other angle is 90 degrees, and the top angle is 35 degrees. I know that all of the angles add up to 180 degrees. How do I find the height of the fountain? I know tangent= Opposite divided by Adjacent. It would be Opposite divided by 2.388. opposite is unknown. i just need pointers on how to set up the euqation.

Answer 1

OK

I believe you need a trig table to do this one.  

Tangent of of 35 degrees = .7002

Tangent of 35 degree angle = 2.388 / adjacent side

.7002 = 2.388 / adjecent side

.7002 * adjecent side = 2.388

adjacent side = 2.388/.7002

adjacent side = 3.41

So the height of the fountain is 3.41 meters.

Hope that helps.

Answer 2

tan(degrees) = opp./adj.

tan(55) = x/2.388

2.388tan55 = x