Solve the problem. Be sure to make a diagram of the situation with all the given information labeled. A ship is anchored off a long straight shoreline that runs north and south. From two observation points 14 miles apart on shore, the bearings of the ship are N 32° E and S 50° E. What is the shortest distance from the ship to the shore? Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a mile.
A)1.7 mi
B)7.7 mi
C)5.7 mi
D)3.1 mi
E)2.2 mi

Question

Solve the problem. Be sure to make a diagram of the situation with all the given information labeled. A ship is anchored off a long straight shoreline that runs north and south. From two observation points 14 miles apart on shore, the bearings of the ship are N 32° E and S 50° E. What is the shortest distance from the ship to the shore? Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a mile. ​
A)1.7 mi
B)7.7 mi
C)5.7 mi
D)3.1 mi
E)2.2 mi

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using trigonometry and the law of sines, the shortest distance from the ship to the shore is calculated to be approximately 5.7 miles.

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