Difficulty: Medium
Correct Answer: 100√3 m and 400 m
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
A pair of equal-height towers on a straight line with the observer allows immediate height recovery from the nearer 60° sight, then the far distance from the 30° sight, giving the separation by addition.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Use tan for each: from near tower, H = 100 * tan 60°; from far tower, with distance D_far, H = D_far * tan 30°. Sum near and far horizontal distances to get total gap.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Verification / Alternative check:
Check near: H/100 = √3; far: H/300 = 1/√3 → both angles match 60° and 30° respectively.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Pairs with 100/√3 contradict tan 60°; a total of 300 m separation ignores the far geometry; only “100√3 m and 400 m” is consistent.
Common Pitfalls:
Assuming the observer is outside the segment; swapping near/far distances; mixing up tan 30° with cot 30°.
Final Answer:
100√3 m and 400 m
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