California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) Math Practice Exam

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What mathematical tool is often used for calculating angles of elevation and depression?

Geometry software
Trigonometry functions
Algebraic equations
Statistical models

The correct answer is: Trigonometry functions

The concept of angles of elevation and depression is closely tied to the properties of triangles, particularly right triangles. Trigonometry functions, such as sine, cosine, and tangent, provide the necessary relationships between the angles and sides of these triangles, making them vital for calculating angles of elevation (the angle above horizontal) and depression (the angle below horizontal). When dealing with real-world applications, such as determining the height of a building or the distance to an object when looking up or down, trigonometric functions allow you to relate the measured angles to the lengths of the sides of the triangle formed by the line of sight and horizontal ground. This is accomplished using the ratios defined by these functions. For example, if you know the height of an object and the angle of elevation to the top, you can use the tangent function to find the horizontal distance from the observer to the base of the object. Therefore, trigonometry functions are essential in performing these calculations accurately, which underscores why they are the correct choice for this inquiry.