I need help with the following question: While fishing on a lake, you see a fish below water at a 25 degree angle with the surface, producing air bubbles on the surface of the water 20 feet ahead. How far away is the fish from the boat?

Question

I need help with the following question:  While fishing on a lake, you see a fish below water at a 25 degree angle with the surface, producing air bubbles on the surface of the water 20 feet ahead.  How far away is the fish from the boat?

Steve · Answer

Assuming we are not taking Snell's Law into account, the distance d is given by sec 25° = x/20 x = 22.07 ft