Angle of elevation
The angle of elevation is the angle made by the line of sight with the horizontal when an object is seen above eye level.
Practice This ConceptMain explanation
Teacher explanation
When you look at the top of a tree, tower, or building from a lower position, your eyes look upward. The horizontal line at your eye level and the slant line to the object form an angle. That upward angle is called the angle of elevation. It is always measured from the horizontal upward, not from the ground directly unless the ground is horizontal.
Example
If a student stands on level ground and looks at the top of a flagpole, the angle between the horizontal line from the eyes and the line of sight to the top is the angle of elevation.
Simple analogy
Elevation means going up, so start from the horizontal and move upward.
Common confusion
Students often measure the angle from the vertical side or from the ground slope instead of from the horizontal line of sight.
Exam tip
Always draw the horizontal line at the observer's eye level first. Then mark the upward angle carefully.
Answer writing and exam use
1-mark use
Write the exact meaning of angle of elevation in one clean line.
2-mark use
Define angle of elevation and add one example or condition.
3-mark use
Explain angle of elevation, show the method or example, and mention the common mistake.
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