Square plot, pole at D — mixed observation points ABCD is a square. The angle of elevation of the top of a pole at D is 30° as seen from A and also from C. From B, the angle of elevation is Θ. Find tan Θ.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 1/√6

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In a square, distances from D to adjacent corners (A and C) equal the side length s, while distance from D to the opposite corner (B) equals the diagonal s√2. Using the common pole height derived from the 30° observations at A and C, we can find tan Θ at B.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • AD = CD = s; BD = s√2.
  • tan 30° = height/AD ⇒ height h = s/√3.
  • We seek tan Θ = h/BD.


Concept / Approach:
Use the 30° observation to compute h in terms of the side s, then evaluate tan Θ from the more distant point B using the diagonal baseline BD.


Step-by-Step Solution:

h = s * tan 30° = s / √3BD = s√2tan Θ = h / BD = (s/√3) / (s√2) = 1/√6


Verification / Alternative check:
If s = √6 (arbitrary scaling), then h = 1 and BD = √12; tan Θ = 1/√12 = 1/ (2*√3) = 1/√6 after simplification consistency check.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
√6 or √3/√2 imply much larger angles inconsistent with the geometry; √2/√3 is also incorrect given h and BD.


Common Pitfalls:
Treating BD as s instead of s√2, or mixing up sine and tangent when computing h.


Final Answer:
1/√6

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