Difficulty: Hard
Correct Answer: asin θ cos φ / cos ( θ + φ )
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This identity arises from stacking vertical segments (tower and flagstaff) along a common baseline. Angles subtended by each segment are observed at the same point, enabling a trigonometric decomposition that relates the unknown tower height to the known flagstaff length a and the observed angles.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
Let H be the tower height and D the horizontal distance. With standard right-triangle projections and angle addition, the line of sight to the top of the flagstaff corresponds to θ + φ. Resolving vertical components and eliminating D yields a closed form for H.
Step-by-Step Solution (outline):
Verification / Alternative check:
Dimensions check: result scales linearly with a; as φ → 0, the expression reduces appropriately.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They misplace composite angles or invert trig functions, breaking the derivation constraints.
Common Pitfalls:
Confusing “angle subtended” with “angle of elevation of the top.” Here θ and φ pertain to separate vertical segments.
Final Answer:
asin θ cos φ / cos ( θ + φ )
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