Exercise 20
Question 1
An electric pole is 10 metres high. If its shadow is 10√3 metres in length,
find the elevation of the sun.
Sol :
Let AB be the pole and
OB is its shadow.
$\therefore \mathrm{AB}-10 \mathrm{~m}, \mathrm{OB}=10 \sqrt{3}
\mathrm{~m}$
and θ is the angle of elevation of the sum
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{OB}}=\frac{10}{10
\sqrt{3}}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\therefore \theta=30^{\circ}$ $\left(\because \tan
30^{\circ}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)$
Question 2
The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from a point on the ground and
at a distance of 150 m from its foot is 30°. Find the height of the tower
correct to one place of decimal
Sol :
Let BC be the tower and
A is the point on the ground such that
∠A= 30° and AC = 150 m
Let height of the tower=x m
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{BC}}{\mathrm{AC}}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{x}{150}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{x}{150}$
$ \Rightarrow x=\frac{150}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{150 \times \sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3} \times
\sqrt{3}}=\frac{150 \sqrt{3}}{3}=50 \sqrt{3} \mathrm{~m}$
=50(1.732)=86.600 m
=86.6 m
Question 3
A ladder is placed against a wall such that it just reaches the top of the
wall. The foot of the ladder is 1.5 metres away from the wall and the ladder
is inclined at an angle of 60° with the ground. Find the height of the
wall.
Sol :
Let AB be the wall and AC be the ladder
whose foot C is 1.5 m away from B
Let AB = x m and angle of inclination is 60°
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}} $
$\Rightarrow \tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{x}{1 \cdot 5}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{x}{1 \cdot 5}$
$\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{3} \times 1 \cdot 5=1 \cdot 732 \times 1 \cdot 5$
$\Rightarrow x=2 \cdot 5980=2 \cdot 6$
∴Height of the wall=2.6 m (approx)
Question 4
What is the angle of elevation of the sun when the length of the shadow of
a vertical pole is equal to its height.
Sol :
Let AB be the pole and CB be its shadow
and θ is the angle of elevation of the sun.
Let AB = x m, then BC = x m
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}}=\frac{x}{x}=1$
$\therefore \theta=45^{\circ} \quad\left(\because \tan 45^{\circ}=1\right)$
∴Angle of elevation=45°
Question 5
A river is 60 m wide. A tree of unknown height is on one bank. The angle of
elevation of the top of the tree from the point exactly opposite to the foot
of the tree on the other bank is 30°. Find the height of the tree.
Sol :
Let AB be the tree and BC is the width of the river
and C is the point exactly opposite to B on the other bank
and angle of elevation is 30°.
Let height of the tree AB=x m
and width of river BC=60 m
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}} \Rightarrow \tan
30^{\circ}=\frac{x}{60}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{x}{60} $
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{60}{\sqrt{3}} $
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{60}{\sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{60 \sqrt{3}}{3}=20 \sqrt{3}=20(1 \cdot 732)$
=34.640=34.64 m
∴Height of the tree=34.64 m
Question 6
From a point P on level ground, the angle of elevation of the top of a
tower is 30°. If the tower is 100 m high, how far is P from the foot of the
tower ?
Sol :
Let AB be the tower and P is at a distance of x m from B, the foot of the
tower.
While the height of the tower AB = 100 m
and angle of elevation = 30°
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{PB}}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{100}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{100}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow x=100 \sqrt{3}$
⇒x=100(1.732)=173.2 m
∴Distance of P from the foot of the tower
=173.2 m
Question 7
From the top of a cliff 92 m high, the angle of depression of a buoy is
20°. Calculate to the nearest metre, the distance of the buoy from the foot
of the cliff. (2005)
Sol :
Let AB be cliff whose height is 92 m
and C is buoy making depression angle of 20°.
$\therefore \angle \mathrm{ACB}=20^{\circ}$
Let, CB=x m
In right ΔABC,
$\cot \theta=\frac{\mathrm{BC}}{\mathrm{AB}}$
$ \Rightarrow \cot 20^{\circ}=\frac{x}{92}$
$\Rightarrow x=92 \cot 20^{\circ}$
$=92 \times 2.7475 \mathrm{~m}$
$=252 \cdot 7700 \mathrm{~m}$
Distance of buoy from foot of hill
=252.77 m
Question 8
A boy is flying a kite with a string of length 100 m. If the string is
tight and the angle of elevation of the kite is 26°32′, find the height of
the kite correct to one decimal place, (ignore the height of the boy).
Sol :
Let AB be the height of the kite A and AC is the string
and angle of elevation of the kite is 26°32′
Let AB=x m and AC=100 m
$\therefore \sin \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{AC}}$
$ \Rightarrow \sin 26^{\circ} 32^{\prime}=\frac{x}{100}$
$\Rightarrow 0 \cdot 4467=\frac{x}{100}$
$ \Rightarrow x=100 \times 0.4467$
⇒x=44.67=44.7 m
∴Height of the kite=44.7 m
Question 9
An electric pole is 10 m high A steel wire tied to the top of the pole is
affixed at a point on the ground to keep the pole upright. If the wire makes
an angle of 45° with the horizontal through the foot of the pole, find the
length of the wire.
Sol :
Let AB be the pole and AC be the wire
which makes an angle of 45° with the ground.
Height of the pole AB = 10 m
and let the length of wire AC = x m
$\therefore \sin \theta=\frac{A B}{A C}$
$ \Rightarrow \sin 45^{\circ}=\frac{10}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{10}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow x=10 \sqrt{2}=10(1 \cdot 414)$
⇒x=14.14
∴Length of wire=14.14 m
Question 10
A bridge across a river makes an angle of 45° with the river bank. If the
length of the bridge across the river is 200 metres, what is the breadth of
the river.
Sol :
Let AB be the width of river = x m
Length of the bridge AC = 200 m
and angle with the river bank = 45°
$\sin \theta=\frac{A B}{A C}$
$\Rightarrow \sin 45^{\circ}=\frac{x}{200}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{2}}=\frac{x}{200} $
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{200}{\sqrt{2}} \Rightarrow x=\frac{200}{\sqrt{2}} \times
\frac{\sqrt{2}}{\sqrt{2}}$
$\Rightarrow \quad x=\frac{200(1 \cdot 414)}{2}=100(1 \cdot 414)$
=141.4 m
∴Width of the river =141.4 m
Question 11
A vertical tower is 20 m high. A man standing at some distance from the
tower knows that the cosine of the angle of elevation of the top of the
tower is 0.53. How far is he standing from the foot of the tower ? (2001)
Sol :
Let AB be the tower and
let a man C stands at a distance from the foot of the tower = x m
and cos θ = 0.53
Height of the tower AB=20 m
$\because \cos \theta=0 \cdot 53$
$\therefore \theta=58^{\circ}$ (from tables)
Now $\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}} \Rightarrow \tan
58^{\circ}=\frac{20}{x}$
$\Rightarrow 1 \cdot 6003=\frac{20}{x} $
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{20}{1 \cdot 6003}$
$\Rightarrow x=12 \cdot 49=12 \cdot 5 \mathrm{~m}$
∴Height of tower=12.5 m
Question 12
The upper part of a tree broken by wind, falls to the ground without being
detached. The top of the broken part touches the ground at an angle of
38°30′ at a point 6 m from the foot of the tree. Calculate.
(i) the height at which the tree is broken.
(ii) the original height of the tree correct to two decimal places.
Sol :
Let TR be the total height of the tree
and TP is the broken part which touches the ground
at the distance of 6 m from the foot of the tree
making an angle of 38°30′ with the ground.
Let PR = x and TR = x + y
PQ = PT = y
In right ∆PQR
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{PR}}{\mathrm{QR}} $
$\Rightarrow \tan 38^{\circ} 30^{\prime}=\frac{x}{6}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{x}{6}=0.7954$
$\frac{x}{6}=0 \cdot 7954$
$\Rightarrow x=0.7954 \times 6=4 \cdot 7724$
and $\sin \theta=\frac{\mathrm{PR}}{\mathrm{PQ}} \Rightarrow \sin 38^{\circ}
30^{\prime}=\frac{x}{y}$
$\Rightarrow 0.6225=\frac{4 \cdot 7724}{y}$
$\Rightarrow y=\frac{4 \cdot 7724}{0 \cdot 6225}=7 \cdot 6665$
Height of the tree = 4.7724 + 7.6665 = 12.4389 = 12.44 m
and height of the tree at which it is broken = 4.77 m
Question 13
An observer 1.5 m tall is 20.5 metres away from a tower 22 metres high.
Determine the angle of elevation of the top of the tower from the eye of the
observer.
Sol :
In the figure, AB is tower and CD is an observer.
θ is the angle of observation from
$\therefore A B=22 m, C D=1 \cdot 5 m$
and BD distance $=20.5 \mathrm{~m}$
From C draw CE || DB, then
$\therefore A E=22-1.5=20 \cdot 5 \mathrm{~m}$
and $\mathrm{CE}=\mathrm{DB}=20 \cdot 5 \mathrm{~m}$
$\therefore \tan \theta=\frac{A E}{C E}=\frac{20 \cdot 5}{20 \cdot 5}=1=\tan
45^{\circ}$
$\theta=45^{\circ}$
Question 14
From a boat 300 metres away from a vertical cliff, the angles of elevation
of the top and the foot of a vertical concrete pillar at the edge of the
cliff are 55°40′ and 54°20′ respectively. Find the height of the pillar
correct to the nearest metre.
Sol :
Let CB be the cliff and AC be the pillar
and D be the boat which is 300 m away from
the foot of the cliff i.e. BD = 300 m.
Angles of elevation of the top and foot of the pillar
are 55°40′ and 54°20′ respectively.
Let CB = x and AC = y
In right ∆CBD,
$\tan \theta=\frac{C B}{B D} $
$\Rightarrow \tan 54^{\circ} 20^{\prime}=\frac{x}{300}$
$\Rightarrow 1 \cdot 3933=\frac{x}{300}$
$ \Rightarrow x=300 \times 1 \cdot 3933$
$\Rightarrow x=417 \cdot 99 \mathrm{~m}$
Again in right $\Delta \mathrm{ABD}$
$\tan 55^{\circ} 40^{\prime}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BD}}=\frac{x+y}{300}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{x+y}{300}=1 \cdot 4641$
$\Rightarrow x+y=1 \cdot 4641 \times 300=439 \cdot 23$
$\therefore y=439 \cdot 23-417 \cdot 99=21 \cdot 24 \mathrm{~m}$
$\therefore$ Height of the pillar $=21 \cdot 24 \mathrm{~m}=21 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 15
From a point P on the ground, the angle of elevation of the top of a 10 m
tall building and a helicopter hovering over the top of the building are 30°
and 60° respectively. Find the height of the helicopter above the ground.
Sol :
let AB be the building and H is the helicopter hovering over it.
P is a point on the ground,
the angle of elevation of the top of building and helicopter are 30° and 60°
AB=10 m
Let PA=x m and BH=h m
Now, in right ΔABP
$\tan \theta=\frac{P}{B}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{A B}{P A}=\frac{10}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{10}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow x=10 \sqrt{3} \mathrm{~m}$
Similarly in right ΔAPH
tan 60°$=\frac{\mathrm{AH}}{\mathrm{PA}}=\frac{10+h}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{10+h}{10 \sqrt{3}} $
$\Rightarrow 10 \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}-10+h$
$\Rightarrow 30=10+h \Rightarrow h=30-10=20$
∴Height of the helicopter from the ground
=10+20=30 m
Question 16
An aeroplane when flying at a height of 3125 m from the ground passes
vertically below another plane at an instant when the angles of elevation of
the two planes from the same point on the ground are 30° and 60°
respectively. Find the distance between the two planes at the instant.
Sol :
Let the distance between the two planes = h m
Given that, AD = 3125 m and ∠ACB = 60° and ∠ACD = 30°
Now in ΔACD
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AD}}{\mathrm{AC}}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{3125}{\mathrm{AC}}$
$ \Rightarrow \mathrm{AC}=3125 \sqrt{3}$...(i)
and In $\Delta \mathrm{ABC}$
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{AC}} $
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{\mathrm{AD}+\mathrm{DB}}{\mathrm{AC}}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{3125+h}{\mathrm{AC}} $
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{AC}=\frac{3125+h}{\sqrt{3}}$..(ii)
From equation (i) and equation (ii), we get
$\Rightarrow \frac{3125+h}{\sqrt{3}}=3125 \sqrt{3}$
$\Rightarrow h=(3125 \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3})-3125$
$\Rightarrow \dot{h}=3125 \times 3-3125 \Rightarrow h=9375-3125$
$\Rightarrow h=6250 \mathrm{~m}$
Hence , the distance between two planes is 6250 m
Question 17
A person standing on the bank of a river observes that the angle subtended
by a tree on the opposite bank is 60° ; when he retires 20 m from the bank,
he finds the angle to be 30°. Find the height of the tree and the breadth of
the river. .
Sol :
Let TR be the tree and PR be the width of the river.
Let TR=x and PR=y
In right ΔTPR
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{TR}}{\mathrm{PR}}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{x}{y}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{x}{y} $
$\Rightarrow \quad x=y \sqrt{3}$...(i)
Again in right $\Delta \mathrm{TQR}$,
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{TR}}{\mathrm{QR}}=\frac{x}{y+20}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{x}{y+20}$
$ \Rightarrow x=\frac{y+20}{\sqrt{3}}$..(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
$y \sqrt{3}=\frac{y+20}{\sqrt{3}} \Rightarrow 3 y=y+20$
$\Rightarrow \quad 3 y-y=20 \Rightarrow 2 y=20$
$\therefore \quad y=10$
Substituting the value of $y$ in $(i)$
$x=10 \times \sqrt{3}=10 \times 1 \cdot 732=17.32$
$\therefore \quad$ Height of the tree $=17 \cdot 32 \mathrm{~m}$
and width of the river $=10 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 18
The shadow of a vertical tower on a level ground increases by 10 m when the
altitude of the sun changes from 45° to 30°. Find the height of the tower,
correct to two decimal places. (2006)
Sol :
In the figure, AB is the tower,
BD and BC are the shadow of the tower in two situations.
Let BD = x m and AB = h m
In ∆ABD,
$\tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{h}{x} $
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{h}{x} \Rightarrow h=x$...(i)
In ΔABC,
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{h}{x+10}$
$ \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{h}{x+10}$
$\Rightarrow h \sqrt{3}=h+10$ [from (i)]
$\Rightarrow h(\sqrt{3}-1)=10$
$h=\frac{10}{\sqrt{3}-1}
\cdot=\frac{10(\sqrt{3}+1)}{(\sqrt{3}-1)(\sqrt{3}+1)}$
$=\frac{10 \sqrt{3}+1}{2}$
$=5(1.73+1)=5 \times 2.73=13.65$
$=5(1.73+1)=5 \times 2.73=13.65$
Question 19
From the top of a hill, the angles of depression of two consecutive
kilometer stones, due east are found to be 30° and 45° respectively. Find
the distance of two stones from the foot of the hill.
Sol :
Let A and B be the position of two consecutive kilometre stones.
Then AB = 1 km = 1000m
Let the distance BC = x m
∴ Distance AC = (1000 + x) m
In right $\angle d~ \Delta \mathrm{BCD}$
$\frac{\mathrm{DC}}{\mathrm{AC}}=\tan 30^{\circ} $
$\Rightarrow \frac{x}{x+1000}=\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3} x=x+1000 $
$\Rightarrow(\sqrt{3}-1) x=1000$
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{1000}{\sqrt{3}-1} $
$\Rightarrow \quad x=\frac{1000}{\sqrt{3}-1} \times
\frac{\sqrt{3}+1}{\sqrt{3}+1}$
$=\frac{1000(\sqrt{3}+1)}{3-1}$
$=\frac{1000(\sqrt{3}+1)}{2}=500(1.73+1)$
$=500 \times 2.73=1365 \mathrm{n}$
∴Distance of first stone from the foot of the hill =1365 m and distance of the
second stone from the foot of the hill =1000 m+1365 m
=2365 m
Question 20
A man observes the angles of elevation of the top of a building to be 30°.
He walks towards it in a horizontal line through its base. On covering 60 m
the angle of elevation changes to 60°. Find the height of the building
correct to the nearest me he.
Sol :
Given that
AB is a building CD = 60 m
In $\triangle \mathrm{ABC}$
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BC}}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BC}}$
$\therefore \mathrm{BC}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\sqrt{3}}$...(i)
In right angled $\triangle \mathrm{ABD}$ :
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BD}}$
$ \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BC}+60}$
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{BC}+60=\sqrt{3} \mathrm{AB}$
$\therefore \mathrm{BC}=\sqrt{3} \mathrm{AB}-60$
From equation (i) and (ii) we have
$\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\sqrt{3}}=\sqrt{3} \mathrm{AB}-60 $
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{AB}=3 \mathrm{AB}-60 \sqrt{3}$
$\Rightarrow 3 \mathrm{AB}-\mathrm{AB}=60 \times 1.732$
$\Rightarrow A B=\frac{60 \times 1.732}{2}=51.96 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 21
At a point on level ground, the angle,of elevation of a vertical lower is
found to be such that its tangent is $\frac{5}{12}$ . On walking
192 m towards the tower,the tangent of the angle is found to
be $\frac{3}{4}$ . Find the height of the tower. (1990)
Sol :
Let TR be the tower and P is the point on the
ground such that $\tan \theta=\frac{5}{12}$
and $\tan \alpha=\frac{3}{4}$
PQ=192 m
Let TR =x and QR=y
Now in right ΔTQR
$\tan \alpha=\frac{\mathrm{TR}}{\mathrm{QR}}=\frac{x}{y}$
$ \Rightarrow \frac{3}{4}=\frac{x}{y}$
$\Rightarrow y=\frac{4}{3} x$...(i)
Again in right ΔTPR
$\tan \theta=\frac{T R}{P R} $
$\Rightarrow \frac{5}{12}=\frac{x}{y+192}$
$\Rightarrow x=(y+192) \frac{5}{12}$...(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
$x=\left(\frac{4}{3} x+192\right) \frac{5}{12}$
$x=\frac{5}{9} x+80$
$ \Rightarrow x-\frac{5}{9} x=80$
$\Rightarrow \frac{4}{9} x=80 $
$ \Rightarrow x=\frac{80 \times 9}{4}=180$
∴Height of the tower=180 m
Question 22
In the figure, not drawn to scale, TF is a tower. The elevation of T from A
is x° where tan x = $\frac{2}{5}$ and AF = 200 m. The elevation of T from B,
where AB = 80 m, is y°. Calculate :
(i) The height of the tower TF.
(ii) The angle y, correct to the nearest degree. (1997)
Sol :
Let height of the tower TF = x
$\tan x=\frac{2}{5}$ , AF = 200 m, AB = 80 m
(i) In right ∆ATF,
$\tan x^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{TF}}{\mathrm{AF}} $
$\Rightarrow \frac{2}{5}=\frac{x}{200}$
$\Rightarrow \quad x=\frac{2 \times 200}{5}=\frac{400}{5}=80 \mathrm{~m}$
∴Height of tower=80 m
(ii) In right ΔTBF
$\tan y=\frac{T F}{B F}=\frac{80}{200-80}=\frac{80}{120}=\frac{2}{3}$
=0.6667
$y=33^{\circ} 41^{\prime}=34^{\circ}$
Question 23
From the top of a church spire 96 m high, the angles of depression of two
vehicles on a road, at the same level as the base of the spire and on the
same side of it are x° and y°, where tan x° = $\frac{1}{4}$ and
tan y° = $\frac{1}{7}$ . Calculate the distance between the vehicles.
(1994)
Sol :
Height of the church CH.
Let A and B are two vehicles which make the angle of depression
from C are x° and y° respectively.
Let AH=x and BH=y
In right ΔCBH,
$\tan x^{\circ}=\frac{C H}{A H}=\frac{96}{y} \Rightarrow
\frac{1}{4}=\frac{96}{y}$
$\Rightarrow y=96 \times 4=384 \mathrm{~m}$
Again in right ΔCAH
$\tan y^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{CH}}{\mathrm{AH}}=\frac{96}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \quad \frac{1}{7}=\frac{96}{x} \Rightarrow x=96 \times 7=672
\mathrm{~m}$
$\therefore \quad A B=x-y=672-384=288 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 24
In the adjoining figure, not drawn to the scale, AB is a tower and two
objects C and D are located on the ground, on the same side of AB. When
observed from the top A of the tower, their angles of depression are 45° and
60°. Find the distance between the two objects. If the height of the tower
is 300 m. Give your answer to the nearest metre. (1998)
Sol :
Let CB = x and
DB = y
AB = 300 m
In right $\Delta \mathrm{ACB}$
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{300}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \quad 1=\frac{300}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow x=300 \mathrm{~m}$
In right $\Delta \mathrm{ADB}$
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{DB}} \Rightarrow \frac{300}{y}$
$\sqrt{3}=\frac{300}{y} \Rightarrow y \frac{300}{\sqrt{3}}$
$ \Rightarrow y=\frac{300}{\sqrt{3}} \times
\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{300 \sqrt{3}}{3}$
$\Rightarrow \quad y=100(1 \cdot 732)=173 \cdot 2 \mathrm{~m}$
$\therefore \mathrm{CD}=x-y=300-173 \cdot 2$
$=126 \cdot 8=127 \mathrm{~m}$
Distance between two objects
$=127 \mathrm{~m}$ Ans.
Question 25
The horizontal distance between two towers is 140 m. The angle of elevation
of the top of the first tower when seen from the top of the second tower is
30°. If the height of the second tower is 60 m, find the height of the first
tower.
Sol :
Let the height of first tower TR = x
height of second tower PQ = 60 m
Distance between the two towers QR = 140 m
Draw PL||QR, then
LR=PQ=60 m
PL=QR=140 m
∴TL=(x-60) m
Now in right $\Delta \mathrm{TPL}$,
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{TL}}{\mathrm{PL}} $
$\Rightarrow \tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{x-60}{140}$
$\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{x-60}{140}$
$\Rightarrow \quad x-60=\frac{140}{\sqrt{3}} $
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{140}{\sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{140
\sqrt{3}}{3}$
$x=\frac{140 \sqrt{3}}{3}+60=\frac{140(1 \cdot 732)}{3}+60$
=80.83+60=140.83
∴Height of first tower=140.83 m
Question 26
As observed from the top of a 80 m tall lighthouse, the angles of
depression of two ships on the same side of the ,lighthouse in horizontal
line with its base are 30° and 40° respectively. Find the distance between
the two ships. Give your answer correct to the nearest metre.
Sol :
Let AB be the lighthouse and C and D be the two ships.
Then, in $\Delta \mathrm{ADB}$
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BD}}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{80}{\mathrm{BD}}$
$ \Rightarrow \mathrm{BD} \Rightarrow 80 \sqrt{3}$....(i)
$\operatorname{In} \Delta \mathrm{ACB}, \tan
40^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BC}}=\frac{80}{\mathrm{BC}}$
$0.84=\frac{80}{\mathrm{BC}}$
$ \Rightarrow \mathrm{BC}=\frac{80}{0.84}=95.25$
From $(i), B D=80 \sqrt{3}=80 \times 1.73=138.4$
$\therefore D C=B D-B C=138.4-95.25=43.15$
Hence, distance between the two ships is
=43.15
Question 27
The angle of elevation of a pillar from a point A on the ground is 45° and
from a point B diametrically opposite to A and on the other side of the
pillar is 60°. Find the height of the pillar, given that the distance
between A and B is 15 m.
Sol :
Let CD be the pillar and let CD = x
Angles of elevation of points A and B are 45° and 60° respectively.
AB=15 cm
Let AD=y
then DB=15-y
Now in right ΔCAD
$\tan \theta=\frac{C D}{A D}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{x}{y}$
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{x}{y}$
$ \Rightarrow x=y$...(i)
In right $\Delta \mathrm{CDB}$,
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{x}{15-y} \Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{x}{15-y}$
$\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{3}(15-y)$...(ii)
$\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{3}(15-x) $
$\Rightarrow x=15 \sqrt{3}-\sqrt{3} x$
$\Rightarrow x+\sqrt{3} x=15 \sqrt{3}$
$\Rightarrow x(1+\sqrt{3})=15 \sqrt{3} $
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{15 \sqrt{3}}{1+\sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{15(1 \cdot 732)}{1+1 \cdot 732}=\frac{25 \cdot 98}{2
\cdot 732}=9 \cdot 51$
$\therefore$ Height of the pillar $=9 \cdot 51 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 28
From two points A and B on the same side of a building, the angles of
elevation of the top of the building are 30° and 60° respectively. If the
height of the building is 10 m, find the distance between A and B correct to
two decimal places
Sol :
$\operatorname{In} \Delta \mathrm{DBC}, \tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{10}{B C}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{10}{B C}$
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{BC}=\frac{10}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\Delta \mathrm{DBC}, \tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{10}{B C+A B}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{10}{\frac{10}{\sqrt{3}}+\mathrm{AB}}$
$ \Rightarrow
\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\left(\frac{10}{\sqrt{3}}+\mathrm{AB}\right)=10$
$\Rightarrow \mathrm{AB}=10 \sqrt{3}-\frac{10}{\sqrt{3}}$
$=\frac{30-10}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{20}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{20 \sqrt{3}}{3}$
$=\frac{20 \times 1.732}{3}=20 \times .577=11.540 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 29
(i) The angles of depression of two ships A and B as observed from the top
of a light house 60 m high are 60° and 45° respectively. If the; two ships
are on the opposite sides of the light house, find the distance between the
two ships. Give your answer correct to the nearest whole number. (2017)
(ii) An aeroplane at an altitude of 250 m observes the angle of depression
of two boats on the opposite banks of a river to be 45° and 60°
respectively. Find the width of the river. Write the answer correct to the
nearest whole number. (2014)
Sol :
(i) Let AD be the height of the lighthouse CD = 60 m
Let AD = x m, BD = y m
$\therefore$ In $\Delta \mathrm{ACD}$
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{CD}}{\mathrm{AD}}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{60}{x} \Rightarrow x=\frac{60}{\sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow x=\frac{60}{\sqrt{3}} \times \frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{60
\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}}$
$=20 \times 1.732=34.64 \mathrm{~m}$
In $\Delta \mathrm{BCD}$
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{60}{y} \Rightarrow y=60 \mathrm{~m}$
$\Rightarrow$ Distance between two ships $=x+y$
$=34.64+60=94.64 \mathrm{~m}$
$=95 \mathrm{~m}$ (correct to nearest whole number)
(ii) In $\Delta$ OMA
$\tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{OM}}{\mathrm{AM}}$
$1=\frac{250}{x}\left\{\because \tan 45^{\circ}=1\right\}$
$\Rightarrow x=250 \mathrm{~m}$
In $\Delta \mathrm{OMB}, \tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{250}{y}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{250}{y} $
$\Rightarrow y=\frac{250}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{250}{1.73}$
y=144.34
$\therefore$ Width of river $=x+y=250+144.34$
=394.34 m
Question 30
From a tower 126 m high, the angles of depression of two rocks which are in
a horizontal line through the base of the tower are 16° and 12°20′ Find the
distance between the rocks if they are on
(i) the same side of the tower
(ii) the opposite sides of the tower.
Sol :
Let CD be the tower and CD = 126 m
Let A and B be the two rocks on the same line
and angles of depression are 16° and 12°20′ respectively,
In right $\Delta$ CAD,
$\tan \theta=\frac{C D}{A D} $
$\Rightarrow \tan 16^{\circ}=\frac{126}{x}$
$\Rightarrow 0.2867=\frac{126}{x} \Rightarrow x=\frac{126}{0.2867}=439 \cdot
48$
In right $\Delta \mathrm{CBD}$
$\tan 12^{\circ} 20^{\prime}=\frac{126}{y}$
$0 \cdot 2186=\frac{126}{y}$
$\Rightarrow y=\frac{126}{0.2186}=576 \cdot 40$
(i) In first case (on the same side of the tower)
$A B=B D-A D=y-x=576 \cdot 40-439 \cdot 48$
=136.92 m
(ii) In second case (on the opposite side of the tower)
AB=BD+AD=y+x
=576.40+439.48
=1015.88 m
Question 31
A man 1.8 m high stands at a distance of 3.6 m from a lamp post and casts a
shadow of 5.4 m on the ground. Find the height of the lamp post.
Sol :
AB is the lamp post CD is the height of man.
BD is the distance of man from the foot of the lamp
and FD is the shadow of man.
CE || DB.
Let $\mathrm{AB}=x, \mathrm{CD}=1 \cdot 8 \mathrm{~m}$
EB=CD=1.8 m, then AE=x-1.8
Shadow $\mathrm{FD}=5 \cdot 4 \mathrm{~m}$
Now in right $\Delta \mathrm{ACE}$
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AE}}{\mathrm{CE}}=\frac{x-1 \cdot 8}{3 \cdot
6}$...(i)
Again in right $\Delta$ CFD,
$\tan \theta=\frac{C D}{F D}=\frac{1 \cdot 8}{5 \cdot 4}=\frac{1}{3}$...(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
$\frac{x-1 \cdot 8}{3 \cdot 6}=\frac{1}{3}$
$ \Rightarrow 3 x-5 \cdot 4=3 \cdot 6$
$\Rightarrow 3 x=3 \cdot 6+5 \cdot 4=9 \cdot 0$
$x=\frac{9 \cdot 0}{3}=3 \cdot 0$
∴Height of lamp post =3 m
Question 32
The angles of depression of the top and the bottom of an 8 m tall building
from the top of a multi-storeyed building are 30° and 45° respectively. Find
the height of tire multi-storeyed building and the distance between the two
buildings, correct to two decimal places.
SOl :
Let AB be the CD be the building
The angles of depression in from A, to C
and D are 30° and 45° respectively
∠ACE = 30° and ∠ADB = 45°
CD = 8 m
Let $\mathrm{AB}=h$ and $\mathrm{BD}=x$
From C, draw CE $\|$ DB then
CE=DB=x and EB=CD=8 m
and $\mathrm{AE}=\mathrm{AB}-\mathrm{EB}=(h-8)$
Now in right $\Delta \mathrm{ADB}$
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{DB}}$
$ \Rightarrow \tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{h}{x} \Rightarrow 1=\frac{h}{x}
\Rightarrow x=h$
Similarly in right ΔACE
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AE}}{\mathrm{CE}}=\frac{h-8}{x}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{h-8}{h}$
$ \Rightarrow h=\sqrt{3} h-8 \sqrt{3}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3} h-h=8 \sqrt{3} \Rightarrow h(\sqrt{3}-1)=8 \sqrt{3}$
$\Rightarrow h=\frac{8-\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}-1}=\frac{8
\sqrt{3}(\sqrt{3}+1)}{(\sqrt{3}-1)(\sqrt{3}+1)}$
$=\frac{8(3+\sqrt{3})}{3-1}=\frac{8(3+1.732)}{2}$77
$=4(4.732)=18.928=18.93 \mathrm{~m}$
$\therefore$ and $x=h=18.93 \mathrm{~m}$
∴Height of multi-storeyed building=18.93 m and distance between the two
buildings
=18.93 m
Question 33
A pole of height 5 m is fixed on the top of a tower. The angle of elevation
of the top of the pole as observed from a point A on the ground is 60° and
the angle of depression of the point A from the top of the tower is 45°.
Find the height of the tower. (Take √3 = 1.732).
Sol :
Let QR be the tower and PQ be the pole on it
Angle of elevation from P to a point A is ∠PAR = 60°
and angle of depression from Q to A = 45°
∠QAR = 45° (alternate angle)
PQ = 5 m,
Let QR=h m , then PQ=(5+h)
Now in right ΔQAR
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{QR}}{\mathrm{AR}} $
$\Rightarrow \tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{h}{\mathrm{AR}}$
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{h}{\mathrm{AR}}$
$ \Rightarrow \mathrm{AR}=h$
Again in right ΔPAR
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{PR}}{\mathrm{AR}}=\frac{5+h}{h}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{5+h}{h} \Rightarrow \sqrt{3} h=5+h$
$\Rightarrow h(\sqrt{3}-1)=5 $
$\Rightarrow h(1.732-1)=5$
$\Rightarrow 0.732 h=5$
$ \Rightarrow h=\frac{5}{0.732}=\frac{5000}{732}$
$ \Rightarrow h=6.83$
∴Height of tower =6.83 m
Question 34
A vertical pole and a vertical tower are on the same level ground. From the
top of the pole the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 60° and
the angle of depression of the foot of the tower is 30°. Find the height of
the tower if the height of the pole is 20 m.
Sol :
Let TR is tower and
PL is the pole on the same level, ground PL = 20m
From P, draw PQ || LR
then ∠ TPQ = 60° and ∠ QPR = 30°
$\therefore \angle \mathrm{PRL}=\angle \mathrm{QPR}=30^{\circ}$
(Alternate angles)
Let LR=x and T R=h
$\therefore \mathrm{TQ}=\mathrm{TR}-\mathrm{QR}=(h-20) \mathrm{m}$
Now in right $\Delta$ PRL
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{PL}}{\mathrm{LR}}$
$\Rightarrow \tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{20}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{20}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow x=20 \sqrt{3} \mathrm{~m}$
Similarly in $\Delta \mathrm{PQT}$
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{TQ}}{\mathrm{PQ}}$
$ \Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{h-20}{x} $
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{h-20}{20 \sqrt{3}}$
$\Rightarrow 20 \sqrt{3} \times \sqrt{3}=h-20 \Rightarrow 20 \times 3=h-20$
$\Rightarrow h=60+20=80$
$\therefore$ Height of tower $=80 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 35
From the top of a building 20 m high, the angle of elevation of the top of
a monumenti is 45° and the angle of depression of its foot is 15°. Find the
height of the monument.
Sol :
Let AB be the building and AB = 20 m and
let CD be the monument and let CD = x
The distance between the building and the monument be y,
Now in right $\Delta \mathrm{BCD}$
$\tan \theta=\frac{C D}{B D}$
$\Rightarrow \tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{x}{y}$
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{x}{y} $
$\Rightarrow x=y$...(i)
Again in right $\Delta \mathrm{ABD}$,
$\tan 15^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{BD}}=\frac{20}{y}=\frac{20}{x}$
$\Rightarrow 0.2679=\frac{20}{x}$
$ \Rightarrow x=\frac{20}{0 \cdot 2679}=74 \cdot 65 \mathrm{~m}$
$\therefore$ Height of the monument $=74 \cdot 64 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 36
The angle of elevation of the top of an unfinished tower at a point distant
120 m from its base is 45°. How much higher must the tower be raised so that
its angle of elevation at the same point may be 60°?
Sol :
Let AB be the unfinished tower and AB = 120 m
and angle of elevation = 45°
Let x be higher raised so that
the angle of elevation becomes 60°
Let BC=y
In right $\triangle \mathrm{ABC}$,
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}} \Rightarrow \tan
45^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{CB}}=\frac{120}{y}$
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{120}{y} $
$\Rightarrow y=120 \mathrm{~m}$
Now in right $\Delta \mathrm{DBC}$
$\tan 60^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{DB}}{\mathrm{CB}} $
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3}=\frac{120+x}{120}$
$\Rightarrow 120 \sqrt{3}=120+x $
$\Rightarrow x=120 \sqrt{3}-120$
$\Rightarrow x=120(\sqrt{3}-1)=120(1 \cdot 732-1 \cdot 000)$
$=120 \times .732=87 \cdot 84$
$\therefore $ Raised tower $=87 \cdot 84 \mathrm{~m}$
Question 37
In the adjoining figure, the shadow of a vertical tower on the level ground
increases by 10 m, when the altitude of the sun changes from 45° to 30°.
Find the height of the tower and give your answer, correct
to $\frac{1}{10}$ of a metre.
[Remark. Altitude of the sun means angle of elevation of the sun.]
Sol :
Let TR be the tower and TR = h ;
Let BR = x,
AB = 10 m
Angles of elevation from the top of the tower
at A and B are 30° and 45° respectively.
Now in right ΔTAR
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{TR}}{\mathrm{AR}} \Rightarrow \tan
30^{\circ}=\frac{h}{10+x}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{h}{10+x} \Rightarrow
h=\frac{10+x}{\sqrt{3}}$..(i)
and in right ΔTBR
$\tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{TR}}{\mathrm{BR}}=\frac{h}{x} \Rightarrow
1=\frac{h}{x}$..(ii)
From (i) and (ii)
$h=\frac{10+h}{\sqrt{3}}$
$ \Rightarrow \sqrt{3} h=10+h$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3} h-h=10$
$ \Rightarrow(1 \cdot 732-1) h=10$
$\Rightarrow \quad 0.732 h=10$
$ \Rightarrow h=\frac{10}{0.732}=13.66$
∴Height of the tower=13.7 m
Question 38
An aircraft is flying at a constant height with a speed of 360 km/h. From
a point on the ground, the angle of elevation of the aircraft at an
instant was observed to be 45°. After 20 seconds, the angle of elevation
was observed to be 30°. Determine the height at which the aircraft is
flying (use √3 = 1.732)
Sol. :
Speed of aircraft = 360 km/h
Distance covered in 20 seconds = $=\frac{360 \times 20}{60 \times
60}=2 \mathrm{~km}$
E is the fixed point on the ground
and CD is the position of AB in height of aircraft
Let AB=CD=h km
Now in right ΔAEB
$\tan \theta=\frac{\mathrm{AB}}{\mathrm{EB}}$
$\tan 45^{\circ}=\frac{h}{\mathrm{~EB}}$
$\Rightarrow 1=\frac{h}{\mathrm{~EB}} \Rightarrow \mathrm{EB}=h$
∴ED=EB+BD
=h+2 km
Similarly in right ΔCED
$\tan 30^{\circ}=\frac{\mathrm{CD}}{\mathrm{ED}}$
$\Rightarrow \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}=\frac{h}{h+2}$
$\Rightarrow \sqrt{3} h=h+2$
$1 \cdot 732 h-h=2 \Rightarrow 0 \cdot 732 h=2$
$1 \cdot 732 h-h=2 \Rightarrow 0 \cdot 732 h=2$ $(\because 2
\mathrm{~km}=2000 \mathrm{~m})$
$h=\frac{2000}{0.732}$
$=\frac{2000 \times 1000}{732}=2732 \mathrm{~m}$ (approx)