Single observation with known height: From point P on level ground, the angle of elevation of the top of a vertical tower is 30°. If the height of the tower is 100 m, find the horizontal distance of P from the foot of the tower.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 100 √3 m

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Relating a known vertical height and an observed angle of elevation to a horizontal distance uses the tangent definition in right-triangle trigonometry.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Height H = 100 m.
  • Angle of elevation θ = 30°.
  • Horizontal distance from point to foot = d (unknown).


Concept / Approach:
tan θ = opposite / adjacent = H / d → solve for d.


Step-by-Step Solution:

tan 30° = 1 / √3 = 100 / d.So d = 100 √3 m.


Verification / Alternative check:
Compute tan using result: 100 / (100√3) = 1/√3 → 30°, correct.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
100/√3 would imply tan 30° = √3, which is inverted; 50√3 or 50/√3 do not match the given 100 m height.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing tan with cot; swapping opposite and adjacent; rounding √3 too early; answer needs exact form unless asked otherwise.


Final Answer:
100 √3 m

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