Standing on a river bank, a person observes the top of a tower on the opposite bank at 45° elevation. Which statement is correct about the river’s breadth compared to the tower’s height?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Breadth of the river and the height of the tower are equal

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The 45° angle of elevation to the top of a vertical object on level ground is a signature configuration: the opposite and adjacent legs of the right triangle are equal.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Angle of elevation θ = 45°.
  • Ground is level; tower is vertical.


Concept / Approach:
tan 45° = 1 ⇒ opposite/adjacent = 1 ⇒ height = horizontal distance. Here, the horizontal distance equals the river’s breadth.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Let height = H and breadth = B. tan 45° = H/B = 1 ⇒ H = B.


Verification / Alternative check:
Any angle greater than 45° would imply H > B; any angle less than 45° implies H < B. With 45°, equality holds.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Half” or “twice” contradicts tan 45° = 1; “None of these” is false because equality is exactly true.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing sine/cosine with tangent; overlooking that the breadth equals the adjacent side in the triangle.


Final Answer:
Breadth of the river and the height of the tower are equal

More Questions from Height and Distance

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion