Direct tan from distance and elevation — tower height A tower stands on level ground. From a point 100 m from its base, the angle of elevation of the top is 30°. What is the tower’s height?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 100/ √3

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This is a basic height–distance application of right-triangle trigonometry using the tangent function.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Horizontal distance d = 100 m.
  • Angle of elevation θ = 30°.
  • Ground level and vertical tower.


Concept / Approach:
In a right triangle, tan θ = opposite/adjacent = height/distance. Therefore, height h = d · tan θ.


Step-by-Step Solution:

tan 30° = 1/√3h = 100 * (1/√3) = 100/√3 m


Verification / Alternative check:
As θ is small (30°), height should be less than distance, which it is (≈ 57.7 m).


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
100√3 is too large; 100 m would imply tan 30° = 1; “None” is incorrect because 100/√3 is present.


Common Pitfalls:
Using sin instead of tan; mixing up opposite and adjacent legs.


Final Answer:
100/ √3

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