This document provides instructions for measuring distance using right triangles. It involves placing an object at one corner of a flat surface and a sighting device at the opposite corner to form a right triangle. The base and angle of the triangle are measured and recorded in a table. The measurements are then scaled down on graph paper to extend the hypotenuse. Scaling the hypotenuse measurement back up calculates the distance, which is checked by direct measurement and recorded in the table. This process is repeated for three trials with varying angles but one right angle to measure distance using trigonometry.

1. How to Measure Distance Using Right Triangles Lab

3. 1. Begin this experiment on a large table. Place an object (block) who’s distance you want to measure at one corner. At the opposite corner place a sighting device and protractor.

4. 2. Measure the base “b” of the triangle that is created and record its length in table #1. 3. Measure the angle “ θ ” made between the base and the hypotenuse and record the angle in table #1. θ b

5. 4. Draw the base and the angle on a piece of graph paper using a 10:1 reduction in scale (1 decimeter will be reduced to 1 centimeter. Do not reduce the angle). θ

6. 5. Extend side “h” until it intersects with side “d”. d θ h

7. 6. Scale up the measurement by multiplying the length “ d ” by 10. d x 10= calculated distance Record this calculation under “calculated” in table #1.

8. 7. Check to see if your calculation is correct by measuring the actual distance (d) between the base and the object. Record this measurement as “actual” in table #1. d θ d θ

9. Repeat this procedure for a total of 3 different block positions. Be sure to maintain one right angle between the base and the object being observed. The other angle will vary and must be determined by using a protractor. Direct any questions to my email.

10. Trial 1 actual scaled b θ d Calculated _____ Actual _____

11. Trial 2 actual scaled b θ d Calculated _____ Actual _____

12. Trial 3 actual scaled b θ d Calculated _____ Actual _____