Here is the derivation of the altitude equation which can be used to determine the height of a kite, or a model rocket in flight. A text only version of this page is available with all of the derivation.
This is an example of how engineers use the math that you are studying in high school. Using a couple of simple measurements on the ground you can determine the height of a kite, or a model rocket ... which would be very hard to measure directly.
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byTom
Benson
Please send suggestions/corrections to: benson@grc.nasa.gov