Chapter 28: Problem 69
If the angles of elevation of the top of a tower from three collinear points \(A, B\) and \(C\), on a line leading to the foot of the tower, are \(30^{\circ}, 45^{\circ}\) and \(60^{\circ}\) respectively, then the ratio, \(A B: B C\), is: (A) \(\sqrt{3}: \sqrt{2}\) (B) \(1: \sqrt{3}\) (C) \(2: 3\) (D) \(\sqrt{3}: 1\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understand the Scenario
Define the Problem Mathematically
Use Trigonometric Ratios
Derive Equations for Other Points
Derive Equation for Point C
Calculate the Desired Ratio
Confirm the Ratio Conclusion
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Angles of Elevation
- An observer's eye level marks the horizontal line.
- The line from their eyes to the top of the tower shows the angle of elevation.
Trigonometric Ratios
- Sine: Opposite side over hypotenuse, \( ext{sin} \theta = \frac{ ext{Opposite}}{ ext{Hypotenuse}} \).
- Cosine: Adjacent side over hypotenuse, \( ext{cos} \theta = \frac{ ext{Adjacent}}{ ext{Hypotenuse}} \).
- Tangent: Opposite side over adjacent side, \( ext{tan} \theta = \frac{ ext{Opposite}}{ ext{Adjacent}} \).
For example, in our problem:
- For point B with a 45-degree angle, \( an 45^{\circ} = \frac{h}{x} = 1\) implies that the height and horizontal distance are equal.
Collinear Points
In this trigonometric context, having points A, B, and C be collinear is vital for solving the problem of angles of elevation.
- As all three points lie on a single straight path to the base of the tower, the path can be mathematically analyzed seamlessly.
- This alignment helps us create the right equations to find out desired ratios or distances.