Angle of elevation changes at the same observation point: From a point 120 m from the base of an unfinished vertical tower, the angle of elevation of the top is 45°. If, after raising the tower, the angle of elevation from the same point must become 60°, by how much height (in metres) should the tower be increased?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 120 ( √3 - 1 ) m

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This problem uses right-triangle trigonometry for angles of elevation from a fixed horizontal distance. The initial angle is 45°; after increasing the tower’s height, the angle becomes 60°.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Distance from observation point to tower base = 120 m (horizontal).
  • Current angle of elevation = 45°.
  • Target angle of elevation = 60°.
  • Tower is vertical; ground is horizontal; observer’s eye level taken at ground level.


Concept / Approach:
For a right triangle, tan(theta) = opposite / adjacent. Here, opposite = tower height as seen, adjacent = 120 m. Compute present height, compute required height, take the difference.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Present height h1 = 120 * tan 45° = 120.Required height h2 = 120 * tan 60° = 120 * √3.Increase = h2 - h1 = 120 (√3 - 1).


Verification / Alternative check:
If raised by 120 (√3 - 1), the new total becomes 120√3. With adjacent 120, tan = (120√3)/120 = √3 → 60°, consistent.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 120(√3 + 1): adds extra 120 beyond what is needed.
  • 10(√3 + 1): wrong scale; ignores given distance.
  • None of these: incorrect since a correct numeric form exists.


Common Pitfalls:
Using sine or cosine instead of tangent; forgetting that only the increase is asked (not the final height).


Final Answer:
120 ( √3 - 1 ) m

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