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

Which statement correctly describes the angle of depression?

1. The angle formed when looking up at an object on a hill

2. The angle between the line of sight and the horizontal when an observer looks downward

3. The angle made when looking straight ahead

4. The angle between two horizontal lines

The correct answer is: The angle between the line of sight and the horizontal when an observer looks downward

The angle of depression is described as the angle formed between an observer’s line of sight when looking down at an object and a horizontal line extending from the observer's eye level. When you are standing at a certain height and looking down to see an object below, the angle created with the horizontal is what we refer to as the angle of depression. This concept is crucial in various mathematical applications, such as in trigonometry, where it helps determine distances and heights based on angles. Option A refers to looking up, which relates instead to an angle of elevation, not depression. Option C describes looking straight ahead, which does not involve any angle measurement concerning vertical displacement. Option D incorrectly mentions the angle between two horizontal lines, which does not correspond to the situation involving the observer's line of sight. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what an angle of depression entails in practical terms.