Some Applications of Trigonometry

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

EXERCISE 9.1
Q. 1. A circus artist is climbing a 20 m long rope, which is tightly stretched and tied from the top of
a vertical pole to the ground. Find the height of the pole, if the angle made by the rope with the
ground level is 30° (see figure).
Sol. In the figure, let AC is the rope and AB is the pole. In right Δ ABC, we have:
AB A
= sin 30°
AC
1 20 m
But sin 30° =
2
AB 1
⇒ =
AC 2 30°
AB 1 B C
⇒ = [ä AC = 20 m]
20 2
1
⇒ AB = 20 × = 10 m
2
Thus, the required height of the pole is 10 m.

Q. 2. A tree breaks due to storm and the broken part bends so that the top of the tree touches the ground
making an angle 30° with it. The distance between the foot of the tree to the point where the top
touches the ground is 8 m. Find the height of the tree. [CBSE 2012]
Sol. Let the original height of the tree = OP.
It is broken at A and its top is touching the ground at B.
Now, in right Δ AOB, we have
P
AO
= tan 30°
OB
1
But tan 30° =
3
AO 1 A
⇒ =
OB 3
AO 1 8
⇒ = ⇒ AO =
8 3 3
AO
Also, = sec 30° 30°
OB
B 8m O
AB 2 2×8 16
⇒ = ⇒ AB = =
8 3 3 3
Now, height of the tree
OP = OA + AP = OA + AB
 8 16
= + [ä AB = AP]
3 3
24 24 3
= m = × m = 8 3m
3 3 3
Q. 3. A contractor plans to install two slides for the children to play in a park. For the children below
the age of 5 years, she prefers to have a slide whose top is at a height of 1.5 m, and is inclined
at an angle of 30° to the ground, whereas for older children, she wants to have a steep slide at
a height of 3 m, and inclined at an angle of 60° to the ground. What should be the length of the
slide in each case?
Sol. In the figure, DE is the slide for younger children whereas AC is the slide for older
children.
In right Δ ABC,
AB = 3 m
AC = length of the slide
AB
∴ = sin 60°
AC
3 3
⇒ =
AC 2
2×3
⇒ AC = = 2 3m
3
A

D
3m

1.5m

60°
30°
E
B C

Again in right ΔBDE,

DE
= cosec 30° = 2
BD
DE
⇒ = 2
1.5
⇒ DE = 2 × 1.5 m
⇒ DE = 3 m
Thus, the lengths of slides are 3 m and 2 3 m .

Q. 4. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from a point on the ground, which is 30 m away from
the foot of the tower, is 30°. Find the height of the tower.
Sol. In right Δ ABC, AB = the height of the tower. The point C is 30 m away from
the foot of the tower,
 ∴ AC = 30 m B
AB
Now, = tan 30°
AC
h 1 1
⇒ = [ä tan 30° = ] h
30 3 3

30 30 3
⇒ h = = × = 10 3
3 3 3 30°
A
C 30 m
Thus, the required height of the tower is 10 3 m .

Q. 5. A kite is flying at a height of 60 m above the ground. The string attached to the kite is temporarily
tied to a point on the ground. The inclination of the string with the ground is 60°. Find the
length of the string, assuming that there is no slack in the string.
Sol. Let in the right Δ AOB,
OB = Length of the string
AB = 60 m = Height of the kite. B

OB 2
∴ = cosec 60° =
AB 3
60 m
OB 2 2 × 60
⇒ = ⇒ OB =
60 3 3

120 × 3 60° A
⇒ OB = = 40 3 O
3× 3

Thus, length of the string is 40 3 m .

Q. 6. A 1.5 m tall boy is standing at some distance from a 30 m tall building. The angle of elevation
from his eyes to the top of the building increases from 30° to 60° as he walks towards the
building. Find the distance he walked towards the building.

30 m
B 30° C 60°
D
1.5 m

x O

Sol. Here, OA is the building.

In right Δ ABD,
AD 1
= tan 30° =
BD 3
 ⇒ BD = AD 3 = 28.5 3 [ä AD = 30 m − 1.5 m
= 28.5 m]
Also, in right Δ ACD,
AD
= tan 60° = 3
CD
AD 28.5
⇒ CD = =
3 3
28.5
Now, BC = BD − CD = 28.5 3 −
3

⇒ BC = 28.5
LM 3 − 1 OP
N 3Q

= 28.5
LM 3 − 1 OP
N 3Q
2 3
= 28.5 × ×
3 3
28.5 × 2 × 3
=
3
= 9.5 × 2 × 3
= 19 3 m
Thus the distance walked by the man towards the building = 19 3 m.

Q. 7. From a point on the ground, the angles of elevation of the bottom and the top of a transmission
tower fixed at the top of a 20 m high building are 45° and 60° respectively. Find the height of
the tower. (CBSE 2010)
Sol. Let the height of the building be BC
∴ BC = 20 m
And height of the tower be CD.
Let the point A be at a distance y metres from the top B of the building.
Now, in right Δ ABC, D

BC
= tan 45° = 1
AB xm

20
⇒ y = 1 ⇒ y = 20 m i.e., AB = 20 m. C

Now, in right Δ ABD,

BD 20 m
= tan 60° = 3
AB
BD 45°
⇒ = 3 60°
20 A
B
 20 + x
⇒ = 3 ⇒ 20 + x = 20 3
20
⇒ x = 20 3 − 20 = 20 [ 3 − 1]
⇒ x = 20 [1.732 − 1]
⇒ x = 20 × 0.732 = 14.64
Thus, the height of the tower is 14.64 m.

Q. 8. A statue, 1.6 m tall, stands on the top of a pedestal. From a point on the ground, the angle of
elevation of the top of the statue is 60° and from the same point the angle of elevation of the top
of the pedestal is 45°. Find the height of the pedestal. (CBSE 2012)
Sol. In the figure,
DC represents the statue.
BC represents the pedestal. D

Now in right Δ ABC, we have

AB
= cot 45° = 1 1.6 m
BC
AB C
⇒ = 1 ⇒ AB = h metres.
h
Now in right Δ ABD, we get
h metra
BD
= tan 60° = 3 45°
AB
60°
A
⇒ BD = 3 × AB = 3 ×h B

⇒ h + 1.6 = 3h
h + 1.6
⇒ = 3 ⇒ h( 3 − 1) = 1.6
h
1.6 1.6 3 +1
⇒ h = = ×
3 −1 3 −1 3 +1
1.6
h = × ( 3 + 1)
3−1
1.6
= × 3 +1
2
= 0.8 ( 3 + 1) m
Thus, the height of the pedestal = 0.8 ( 3 + 1) m.

Q. 9. The angle of elevation of the top of a building from the foot of the tower is 30° and the angle of
elevation of the top of the tower from the foot of the building is 60°. If the tower is 50 m high, find
the height of the building. (CBSE Delhi 2014)
Sol. In the figure, let height of the building = AB = h m
Let CD be the tower.
 ∴ CD = 50 m
Now, in right Δ BAC,
AC
= cot 30° = 3
AB
D
AC
⇒ = 3 ⇒ AC = h 3 ...(1)
h
Again, in right Δ DCA,
B
DC 50 m
= tan 60°
AC
hm
50 50
⇒ = 3 ⇒ AC = ...(2)
AC 3 60° 30°
A C
From (1) and (2),
50
3h =
3

50 1 50
⇒ h = × =
3 3 3

2
Thus, the height of the building = 16 m
3
Q. 10. Two poles of equal heights are standing opposite each other on either side of the road, which is
80 m wide. From a point between them on the road, the angles of elevation of the top of the poles
are 60° and 30° respectively. Find the height of the poles and the distances of the point from the
poles. (CBSE 2012)
Sol. Let AB and CD are the two poles such that:
AB = h metres
CD = h metres
B D

h h

60° 30°
A C
P
x metre (80–x)m

80 m
Let ‘P’ be the point on the road such that
AP = x m
CP = (80 − x) m
 Now, in right Δ APB, we have
AB
= tan 60°
AP
h
⇒ = 3 ⇒ h=x 3 ...(1)
x
Again in right Δ CPD,
CD
= tan 30°
CP
h 1
⇒ =
(80 − x) 3
80 − x
⇒ h = ...(2)
3
From (1) and (2), we get
80 − x
3x =
3
⇒ 3× 3×x = 80 − x
⇒ 3x = 80 − x
⇒ 3x + x = 80
⇒ 4x = 80
80
⇒ x = = 20
4
⇒ 80 − x = 80 − 20 = 60
Now, from (1), we have:
h = 3 × 20 = 1.732 × 20
= 34.64
Thus, (i) The required point is 20 m away from the first pole and 60 m away from the
second pole.
(ii) Height of each pole = 34.64 m.

Q. 11. A TV tower stands vertically on a bank of a canal. From a point on the other bank directly opposite
the tower, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 60°. From another point 20 m away from
this point on the line joining this point to the foot of the tower, the angle of elevation of the top
of the tower is 30° (see figure). Find the height of the tower and the width of the canal.
Sol. Let the TV Tower be AB = h m. A
Let the point ‘C’ be such that
BC = x and CD = 20 m.
Now, in right Δ ABC, we have:
AB
= tan 60° 30° 60°
BC D
C
h 20m B
⇒ = 3 ⇒ h= 3x ...(1)
x
In right Δ ABD, we have:
 AB
= tan 30°
BD
h 1
⇒ =
x + 20 3
x + 20
⇒ h = ...(2)
3
From (1) and (2), we get
x + 20
3x = ⇒ 3x = x + 20
3
⇒ 3x − x = 20
20
⇒ 2x = 20 ⇒ x= = 10 m
2
Now, from (1), we get
h = 3 × 10 = 1.732 × 10 = 17.32
Thus, the height of the tower = 17.32 m.
Also width of the river = 10 m.
Q. 12. From the top of a 7 m high building, the angle of elevation of the top of a cable tower is 60° and
the angle of depression of its foot is 45°. Determine the height of the tower.
Sol. In the figure, let AB be the height of the tower.
D
∴ AB = 7 metres.
Let CD be the cable tower.
hm
∴ In right Δ DAE, we have
DE
= tan 60° 60°
EA A E
h 45°
⇒ = 3
x
⇒ h = 3.x ...(1)
7m
Again, in right Δ ABC,
AB
= tan 45°
BC
7
⇒ = 1 B xm C
x
⇒ x = 7 ...(2)
From (1) and (2),
h = 7 3 = DE
∴ CD = CE + ED
= 7 + 7 3 = 7 (1 + 3 ) m
= 7 (1 + 1.732) m = 7 × 2.732 m = 19.124 m
Thus, the height of the cable tower is 19.124 m.
Q. 13. As observed from the top of a 75 m high lighthouse from the sea-level, the angles of depression
of two ships are 30° and 45°. If one ship is exactly behind the other on the same side of the
lighthouse, find the distance between the two ships.
 B
45°
30°

75 m

30° 45° A
D C
Sol. In the figure, let AB represent the light house.
∴ AB = 75 m.
Let the two ships be C and D such that angles of depression from B are 45° and 30°
respectively.
Now in right Δ ABC, we have:
AB
= tan 45°
AC
75
⇒ = 1 ⇒ AC = 75 ...(1)
AC
Again, in right Δ ABD, we have:
AB
= tan 30°
AD
75 1
⇒ = ⇒ AD = 75 3 ...(2)
AD 3
Since the distance between the two ships = CD
= AD − AC
= 75 3 − 75 = 75 [ 3 − 1]
= 75 [1.732 − 1] = 75 × 0.732 = 54.9
Thus, the required distance between the ships = 54.9 m.

Q. 14. A 1.2 m tall girl spots a balloon moving with the wind in a horizontal line at a height of
88.2 m from the ground. The angle of elevation of the balloon from the eyes of the girl at any
instant is 60°. After some time, the angle of elevation reduces to 30° (see figure). Find the distance
travelled by the balloon during the interval. (AI CBSE 2009)

88.2 m

60°
30°
 Sol. In the figure, let C be the position of the observer (the girl).
A and P are two positions of the balloon.
CD is the horizontal line from the eyes of the (observer) girl.
Here PD = AB = 88.2 m − 1.2 m = 87 m
In right Δ ABC, we have
AB
= tan 60°
BC
87 87
⇒ = 3 ⇒ BC = m
BC 3
A P

88.2 m

60°
30° B
C D
1.2 m

In right Δ PDC, we have

PD
= tan 30°
CD
87 1
⇒ = ⇒ CD = 87 3
CD 3
Now, BD = CD − BC
87
= 87 3 −
3

= 87
LM 3−
1OP = 87 × GF 3 − 1 IJ 2 × 87
N 3Q H 3K =
3
m

2 × 87 3 2 × 87 × 3
= × = = 2 × 29 × 3 m
3 3 3

= 58 3 m
Thus, the required distance between the two positions of the balloon = 58 3 m

Q. 15. A straight highway leads to the foot of a tower. A man standing at the top of the tower observes
a car at an angle of depression of 30°, which is approaching the foot of the tower with a uniform
speed. Six seconds later, the angle of depression of the car is found to be 60°. Find the time taken
by the car to reach the foot of the tower from this point. (CBSE 2009)
Sol. In the figure, let AB is the height of the tower and C and D be the two positions of the
car.
 B
30° 60°

30° 60°
C D A

In right Δ ABD, we have:

AB
= tan 60°
AD
AB
⇒ = 3 ⇒ AB = 3 · AD ...(1)
AD
In right Δ ABC, we have:
AB
= tan 30°
AC
AB 1 AC
⇒ = ⇒ AB = ...(2)
AC 3 3
From (1) and (2)
AC
3 AD =
3

⇒ AC = 3 × 3 × AD = 3 AD
Now CD = AC − AD
= 3 AD − AD = 2 AD
Since the distance 2 AD is covered in 6 seconds,
6
∴ The distance AD will be covered in i.e., 3 seconds.
2
Thus, the time taken by the car to reach the tower from D is 3 seconds.

Q. 16. The angles of elevation of the top of a tower from two points at a distance of 4 m and 9 m from
the base of the tower and in the same straight line with it are complementary. Prove that the
height of the tower is 6 m.
Sol. Let the tower be represented by AB in the figure.
Let AB = h metres.
∴ In right Δ ABC, we have:
 AB B
= tan θ
AC
h
⇒ = tan θ ...(1)
9
h
In right Δ ABD, we have:
AB
= tan (90° − θ) = cot θ

q
°–
AD

90
q
h C D A
⇒ = cot θ ...(2) 4m
4 9m
Multiplying (1) and (2), we get
h h
× = tan θ × cot θ = 1 [ä tan θ × cot θ = 1]
9 4

h2
⇒ = 1 ⇒ h2 = 36
36
⇒ h = ±6m
⇒ h = 6m [ä Height is positive only]
Thus, the height of the tower is 6 m.

NCERT TEXTBOOK QUESTIONS SOLVED

EXERCISE 9.2

Q. 1. The angles of depression of the top and the bottom of a building 50 m high as observed from the
top of a tower are 30° and 60° respectively. Find the height of the tower and also the horizontal
distance between the building and the tower.
Sol. In the figure,

E
30°
60°
x

30° D
A

50 m 50m

60°

B C
 Let AB = 50 m be the building.
Let CE be the tower such that CE = (50 + x) m
In right Δ ADE, we have:
DE 1
= tan 30° =
AD 3
x 1
⇒ = ⇒ AD ⇒ x 3 or BC = x 3 ...(1)
AD 3
In right Δ ACE, we have:
CE
= tan 60° = 3
BC
50 + x 50 + x
⇒ = 3 ⇒ BC = ...(2)
BC 3
From (1) and (2), we get
50 + x
3x =
3
⇒ 3 x × 3 = 50 + x
⇒ 3x − x = 50 ⇒ x = 25
∴ Height of the tower = 50 + x
= 50 + 25
= 75 m
Now from (1), BC = 3 ×x
= 3 × 25 m
= 1.732 × 25 m
= 43.25 m
i.e., The horizontal distance between the building and the tower = 43.25 m.
Q. 2. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower as observed from a point on the ground is ‘α’ and
on moving ‘a’ metres towards the tower, the angle of elevation is ‘β’. Prove that the height of the
a tan α ⋅ tan β
tower is .
tan β − tan α
A
Sol. In the figure, let the tower be
represented by AB.
∴ In right Δ ABC, we have:
AB h
tan β = =
BC x h
⇒ x tan β = h
h
⇒ x = ...(1)
tan β
Now, in right Δ ABD, we have: a b
D
a C x B
 AB
= tan α
BD
h
⇒ = tan α
x+a
⇒ h = (x + a) tan α
⇒ h = x tan α + a tan α
h h
⇒ h = · tan α + a tan α [ä x = from (1)]
tan β tan β

h tan α + a tan α . tan β

⇒ h =
tan β
⇒ h tan β = h tan α + a tan α· tan β
⇒ h tan β − h tan α = a tan α· tan β
⇒ h (tan β − tan α) = a tan α· tan β
a tan α ⋅ tan β
⇒ h =
tan β − tan α
D
Q. 3. A vertical tower stands on a horizontal plane and is
surmounted by a vertical flag staff of height 5 m. From
a point on the plane the angles of elevation of the bottom
and top of the flag staff are respectively 30° and 60°. 5m
Find the height of the tower.
Sol. Let in the figure, BC be the tower such that
BC = y metres. C
CD be the flag staff such that
CD = 5 m
60° ym
⇒ BD = (y + 5) m.
In right Δ ABC, we have:
30°
A B
BC 1 xm
= tan 30° =
AB 3

y 1
⇒ = ⇒ x= 3.y ...(1)
x 3
In right Δ ABD, we have:
BD
= tan 60° = 3
AB
( y + 5)
⇒ = 3 ⇒ y+5= 3x
x

∴ y+5 = 3 ( 3 y) [x = 3 ⋅ y from (1)]

 ⇒ y + 5 = 3y
5
⇒ 3y − y = 5 ⇒ y= = 2.5 m
2
∴ The height of the tower = 2.5 m.

Q. 4. The length of the shadow of a tower standing on level plane is found to be 20 m longer when the
sun’s altitude is 30° than when it was 60°. Find the height of the tower.
Sol. In the figure, let CD be the tower such that
CD = h metres
D
Also BC = x metres
In right Δ BCD, we have:
CD
= tan 60° = 3
BC h
h h
⇒ = 3 ⇒ x= ...(1)
x 3
In right Δ ACD, we have: 30° 60°
A C
CD 1 20 m B x
= tan 30° =
AC 3
h 1
⇒ = ⇒ 3 h = 20 + x
20 + x 3
h h
⇒ 3 h = 20 + [From (1), x = ]
3 3
⇒ 3 × 3 h = 20 3 + h

⇒ 3h − h = 20 3
20
⇒ 2h = 20 3 ⇒ 3 = 10 3
h=
2
⇒ h = 10 × 1.732 = 17.32 m
Thus, the height of the tower = 17.32 m.
Q. 5. From the top of a hill 200 m high, the angles of depression of the top and bottom of a pillar are 30°
and 60° respectively. Find the height of the pillar and its distance from the hill. [CBSE 2014]
Sol. In the figure, let AD is the hill such that A
30°
AD = 200 m and CE is the pillar.
60°
In right Δ ADE, we have:
AD
= tan 60 = 3 30°
DE C B
200 m
200
∴ = 3
DE
200 200 3
⇒ DE = = × 60°
3 3 3 D
E
 3 × 200 1.73 × 200
⇒ DE = =
3 3
346
= = 115.33 m
3
⇒ Distance between pillar and hill = 115.33 m
200
Now, BC = DE = m [ä DE = BC]
3
In right Δ ABC, we have:
AB 1
= tan 30° =
BC 3
BC 200 1 200 200
⇒ AB = = × = [ä BC = ]
3 3 3 3 3
= 66.67 m
∴ Height of the pillar
CE = AD − AB [ä CE = BD]
= 200 − 66.67 m
= 133.33 m
Q. 6. The angles of elevation of the top of a tower from two points on the ground at distances a and
b units from the base of the tower and in the same straight line with it are complementary. Prove
that the height of the tower is ab units.
Sol. In the figure, AB is the tower, such that:
A
AB = h
BD = b
BC = a
In right Δ ABD, we have h

AB
= tan (90° − θ)
BD q
q 90°–
h C B
⇒ = tan (90° − θ) D b
b a
⇒ h = b cot θ ...(1)
In right Δ ABC, we have
AB
= tan θ
BC
h
⇒ = tan θ ⇒ h = a tan θ ...(2)
a
Multiplying (1) and (2), we get
h ×h = b cot θ × a tan θ
⇒ h2 = a × b × (cot θ × tan θ)
⇒ h2 = ab [ä cot θ × tan θ = 1]

⇒ h = ab
 Q. 7. A pole 5 m high is fixed on the top of a tower. The angle of elevation of the top of the pole observed
from a point ‘A’ on the ground is 60° and the angle of depression of the point ‘A’ from the top
of the tower is 45°. Find the height of the tower. [A.I. CBSE 2004]
Sol. In the figure, let BC be the tower and CD be the pole.
Let BC = x metres and AB = y metres
In right Δ ABC, we get
BC D
= tan 45° = 1
AB
⇒ BC = AB ⇒ y = x ... (1) 5m
In right Δ ABD, we have:
BD C
= tan 60° = 3
AB
xm
x+5 60°
⇒ = 3 45°
y
A y B
⇒ y 3 = x+5

⇒ x 3 = x+5 [ä x = y from (1)]

∴ 3x−x = 5
⇒ ( 3 − 1) x = 5

5 5 3 +1
⇒ x = = ×
3 −1 3 −1 3 +1

5 ( 3 + 1) 5 (1.732 + 1)
= =
3−1 2
5
= × 2.732 m
2
= 5 × 1.366 m
= 6.83 m
Thus, the height of the tower = 6.83 m

MORE QUESTIONS SOLVED

I. SHORT ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS
Q. 1. A tower stands vertically on the ground. From a point on the ground which is 20 m away from
the foot of the tower, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is found to be 60°. Find the
height of the tower. (CBSE 2010)
Sol. In the figure, AB is the tower,
∴ AB = h metres
In rt Δ ABC, we have:
 BC
= tan 60°
AC
h
⇒ = 3
20
|ä tan 60° = 3 and AB = 20 m
⇒ h = 20 3 metre
Thus, the height of the tower = 20 3 m.

Q. 2. The angle of depression of the top and the bottom of a 9 m high building from the top of a tower
are 30° and 60° respectively. Find the height of the tower and the distance between the building
and the tower.
C
30°
60°

30° E
A

9m 9m

60°

B D

Sol. Let AB represents the building and CD be the tower.

∴ AB = 9 m
In right Δ BDC, we have:
CD
= tan 60° = 3
DB
⇒ CD = DB· 3 ...(1)
In right Δ AEC, we have:
CE 1
= tan 30° =
AE 3
CD − 9 1
⇒ = ⇒ AE = 3 CD − 9 3
AE 3
⇒ BD = 3 (DB· 3 ) − 9 3
⇒ BD = 3 BD − 9 3
⇒ 2BD = 9 3
9 9 × 1.732
⇒ BD = 3 =
2 2
⇒ BD = 7.8 m
 From (1), we have,
9 27
CD = × 3 =
3 × = 13.5
2 2
Thus, height of the tower = 13.5 m
Distance between the building and the tower = 7.8 m

II. LONG ANSWER TYPE QUESTIONS

Q. 1. A boy whose eye level is 1.3 m from the ground, spots a balloon moving with the wind in a
horizontal level at some height from the ground. The angle of elevation of the balloon from the
eyes of the boy at any instant is 60°. After 2 seconds, the angle of elevation reduces to 30°. If
the speed of the wind at that moment is 29 3 m/s, then find the height of the balloon from
ground. (CBSE 2009 C)
E D

60°

H
A 30° G

1.3 m 1.3 m

B F C

Sol. Let E and D be the two positions of the balloon.

Let AB be the position of the boy.
∴ AB = 1.3 m
⇒ HF = CG = 1.3 m

Also speed of the wind = 29 3 m/s

Distance covered by the balloon in 2 seconds

= ED = HG = 2 × 29 3 m

= 58 3 m
∴ AG = AH + HG

= AH + 58 3 m ...(1)
Now, in right Δ AEH, we have
EH
= tan 60° = 3
AH
 EH
⇒ EH = AH· 3 ⇒ AH = ...(2)
3
In right Δ AGD, we have
DG 1
= tan 30° =
AG 3
DG 1
⇒ = [From (1)]
( AH + 58 3 ) 3

⇒ 3 DG = AH + 58 3
EH
⇒ 3 DG = + 58 3 [From (2)]
3
⇒ 3 × 3 × DG =EH + 58 × 3 × 3
⇒ 3 DG =EH + 3 × 58
⇒ 3 DG =EH + 174
⇒ 3 DG − EH =174
⇒ 2 DG =174 [ä DG = EH]
174
⇒ DG = = 87 m
2
∴ CD = DG + GC = (87 + 1.3) m
= 88.3 m
Thus, the height of the balloon = 88.3 m.

Q. 2. A statue, 1.5 m tall stands on the top of a pedestal. From a point on the ground, the angle of
elevation of the top of the statue is 45° and from the same point the angle of elevation of the top
of the pedestal is 30°. Find the height of the pedestal from the ground. (CBSE 2012, 2009-C)
Sol. Let AB be the pedestal and AB = h
Let C be the point on the ground such that D
BC = x metres.
In right Δ ACB, we have: 1.5 m
AB
= tan 30°
BC
h 1 A
⇒ =
x 3
45° hm
⇒ x = 3 h ...(1)
In right Δ DCB, we have: 30°
C
BD B
= tan 45° x
BC
BD
⇒ = 1
x
AB + AD
⇒ = 1
x
 h + 1.5
⇒ = 1
x
⇒ h + 1.5 = x
⇒ h + 1.5 = 3h [From (1)]
⇒ 3 h − h = 1.5
⇒ h ( 3 − 1) = 1.5
1.5 3 +1
⇒ h = ×
3 −1 3 +1
1.5 ( 3 + 1) 1.5 ( 3 + 1)
⇒ h = = m
3−1 2
⇒ h = 0.75 ( 3 + 1) m
Thus, the height of the pedestal = 0.75 ( 3 + 1) m.
Q. 3. The angles of depression of the top and battom of an 8 m tall building from the top of a multi-
storeyed building are 30° and 45°, respectively. Find the height of the multi-storeyed building
and the distance between the two buildings. (CBSE 2009)
Sol. Let the multistoreyed building be AB.
∴ AB = q metres
⇒ AD = (q − 8) m [ä BD = 8 m]
Let EC be the small building.
Now, in right Δ ABC, we have: A

AB 30°
45°
= tan 45° = 1
BC
⇒ AB = BC
⇒ q = p ...(1) (q–8)m

In right Δ ADE, we have: q metres

AD 1 E 30°
= tan 30° = D
DE 3 p metres

8m
⇒ 3 AD = DE
45°
⇒ 3 (q − 8) = p C p metres B

⇒ 3q−8 3 = q [From (1)]

⇒ 3q−q = 8 3
⇒ q ( 3 − 1) = 8 3

8 3
∴ q =
3 −1

8 3 3 +1
⇒ q = × m
3 −1 3 +1
 8 3 ( 3 + 1) 8 3 ( 3 + 1)
= m= m
e 3j 2
− 12 2

= 4 (3 + 3 ) m = 4 (3 + 1.732) m
= 18.928 m
Since p = q
⇒ p = 18.928 m
∴ Distance between the two buildings = 18.928 m
Height of the multi-storeyed building = 18.928 m.
Q. 4. From the top of a building 60 m high, the angles of depression of the top and bottom of a vertical
lamp post are observed to be 30° and 60° respectively. Find:
(i) The horizontal distance between the building and the lamp post.
(ii) The height of the lamp post. [Take 3 = 1.732] (CBSE 2012)
Sol. In the figure, let CE be the building and AB be the lamp post
∴ CE = 60 m
In right Δ BCE, we have:
E
CE 30°
= tan 60° = 3 60°
BC
60
⇒ = 3
BC
60 60 × 3
⇒ BC = = m A
30°
3 3× 3 D

60 3 60 m
⇒ BC = = 20 3 m
3
In right Δ ADE, we have:
DE 1
= tan 30° =
AD 3
DE 1
⇒ = 60°
20 3 3
B C
[ä BC = AD = 20 3 m]
20 3
⇒ DE = = 20 m
3
∴ Height of the lamp post = AB = CD
= CE − DE
= 60 m − 20 m
= 40 m.
Also, the distances between the lamp post and the building
= 20 3 m
= 20 × 1.732 m [ä 3 = 1.732]
= 34.64 m
Q. 5. The angle of elevation of a cloud from a point h meters above the surface of a lake is q and the
angle of depression of its reflection in the lake is f. Prove that the height of the clouds above the
È tan f + tan q ˘
lake is h Í ˙. [NCERT Exemplar]
Î tan f – tan q ˚
Sol. Let P be the cloud and Q be its reflection in the lake. As shown in the figure, let A be the
point of observation such that AB = h
Let the height of the cloud above the lake = x
Let AL = d
PL PN – LN
From rt DPLA, tan q = =
AL AL
x–h
fi tan q = ...(1)
d
x+h
similarly, tan f = ...(2)
d
P

θ
A L
φ
h
d
B
N

tan f x + h
From (1) and (2), =
tan q x – h

2x tan f + tan q È tan f + tan q ˘

or = tan f – tan q fi x = h Í tan f – tan q ˙
2h Î ˚
Q. 6. From a point 100 m above a lake, the angle of elevation of a stationary helicopter is 30° and the
angle of depression of reflection of the helicopter in the lake is 60°. Find the height of the helicopter.
(AI CBSE 2008 C)
Sol. In the figure, A is the stationary helicopter and F is its reflection in the lake.
In right Δ AED, we have:
AE
tan 30° =
DE
 1
But tan 30° =
3
AE 1
∴ =
DE 3 A
x − 100 1 (x–100)
⇒ =
y 3 m
x metres
D 30° E
x − 100 y
⇒ y = ...(1)
3 100 m 100 m
EF
In right Δ DEF, tan 60° =
DE
EF
⇒ = 3 x metres
DE
x + 100
⇒ = 3
y
⇒ 3 y = x + 100 F

But y = 3 (x − 100)
∴ 3 × 3 (x − 100) = x + 100
⇒ 3 (x − 100) = x + 100
⇒ 3x − 300 − x = 100
⇒ 2x = 100 + 300
⇒ 2x = 400
400
⇒ x = = 200
2
Thus, the height of the stationary helicopter = 200 m.

Q. 7. The angle of elevation of an aeroplane from a point on the ground is 60°. After a flight of 15
seconds, the angle of elevation changes to 30°. If the aeroplane is flying at a constant height of
1500 3 m, find the speed of the aeroplane. (AI CBSE 2008 C)
Sol. In the figure, let E and C be the two locations of the aeroplane.
Height BC = ED
= 1500 3 m E C
In right Δ ABC, we have:
BC 1
= tan 30° =
AB 3
1500 3 m

1500 3 1
⇒ =
AB 3
60°
∴ AB = 3 × 1500 × 3 m
= 3 × 1500 m = 4500 m 30°
In right Δ ADE, we have: A D B
 ED
= tan 60° = 3
AD
1500 3
⇒ = 3 [ä ED = BC]
AD
1500 3
⇒ AD = = 1500 m
3
Since the distance travelled in 15 seconds = AB − AD
= 4500 − 1500 = 3000 m
Distance
Since, Speed =
Time
3000
∴ Speed of the aeroplane = m s = 200 m/s.
15
Q. 8. A spherical balloon of radius r subtends an angle q at the eye of the observer. If the angle of elevation
of its centre is f, find the heights of centre of the balloon. [NCERT Exemplar]
Sol. In the figure, let O be the centre of the balloon, and A be the eye of the observer. r be the
radius.
\ OP = r and PAQ = q
Also, –OAB = f
Let the height of the centre of the balloon be ‘h’ fi OB = h.
In DOAP, –OPA = 90° Q
q r
fi sin = , where OA = s ...(1) O
2 s
h
From, DOAB, sin f = ...(2) r
s
Now, from (1) and (2), h
P
q q
h 2
q

sin f s h s h f
2

q = r = s¥r = r A
B
sin
2 s
È sin f ˘
fi h = r Í q˙
Í sin ˙
Î 2˚
1 q
q Q = cose c
fi h = r . sin f . cosec q 2
2 sin
2
Q. 9. As observered from the top of a light house, 100 m high above sea level, the angle of depression
of a ship sailing directly towards it, changes from 30° to 60°. Determine the distances travelled
by the ship during the period of observation. [Use 3 = 1.732] (AI CBSE 2004)
Sol. Let A represents the position of the observer such that
AB = 100 m
 ∴ In right Δ ABC, we have
AB
= tan 60°
BC
100
⇒ = 3 ⇒ 3 BC = 100
BC
100 3 100 100 3
⇒ BC = = × =
3 3 3 3 A
30°
100 × 1.732 60°
= = 57.73 m
3
In right Δ ABD, we have:

100 m
AB 1
= tan 30° =
BD 3
100 1
⇒ = 30° 60°
BD 3 D C B
⇒ BD = 3 · 100 = 1.732 × 100
⇒ BD = 173.2 m
∴ The distance travelled
CD = BD − BC
= (173.2 − 57.73) m = 115.47 m
Q. 10. The angles of elevation and depression of the top and the bottom of a tower from the top of a
building, 60m high, are 30° and 60° respectively. Find the difference between the heights of the
building and the tower and the distance between them. (CBSE Delhi 2014)
Sol. Let AB is building = 60 m and DC is the tower
DE 1 D
In rt. ΔAED, = tan 30° =
x 3
∴ x = 3 × DE ...(1)

Tower
AB
In rt. ΔABC, = tan 60° = 3
BC
30° x
60 60 A E
⇒ = 3 ⇒x= ...(2) 60°
x 3
60m

Substituting the value of x from (2) in (1), we have :

60 60 B 60° C
3 DE = 3 ⇒ DE = 3 × 3 = 20
⇒ Difference between the heights of building and tower = 20 m
Distance between the tower and building
= x = 3 × 20 = 1.732 × 20m = 34.64m

TEST YOUR SKILLS

1. A person standing on the bank of a river observes that the angle of elevation of the top
of a tower standing on the opposite bank is 60°. When he moves 40 m away from the bank,
he finds the angle of elevation to be 30°. Find the height of the tower and the width of
the river. [Use 3 = 1.732] [CBSE 2008]
 2. A straight highway leads to the foot of a tower. A man standing at top of the tower
observes a car at angle of depression of 30°, which is approaching the foot of the tower
with a uniform speed. Six seconds later, the angle of depression of the car is found to be
60°. Find the time taken by the car to reach the foot of the tower from this point.
[AI CBSE 2008]
3. An aeroplane, when 3000 m high, passes vertically above another aeroplane at an instant,
when the angle of elevation of the two aeroplanes from the same point on the ground are
60° and 45° respectively. Find the vertical distance between the aeroplanes.

[Use 3 = 1.732] [CBSE 2011, 2012 CBSE 2008 F]

4. The angle of elevation of an aeroplane from a point A on the ground is 60°. After a flight
of 30 seconds, the angle of elevation changes to 30°. If the plane is flying at a constant
height of 3600 3 m, find the speed, in km/hr, of the plane. [CBSE 2008 F]
5. The angle of elevation of a jet fighter from a point A on the ground is 60°. After a flight
of 10 seconds, the angle of elevation changes to 30°. If the jet is flying at a speed of
648 km/hr, find the constant height at which the jet is flying [Use 3 = 1.732]
[CBSE 2012] [AI CBSE 2008]
6. The angle of elevation of a jet fighter from a point A on the ground is 60°. After a flight
of 10 seconds, the angle of elevation changes to 30°. If the jet is flying at a speed of
432 km/hr, find the constant height at which the jet is flying [Use 3 = 1.732]
[CBSE 2012] [AI CBSE 2008]
7. The angle of elevation of a jet fighter from a point A on the ground is 60°. After a flight
of 15 seconds, the angle of elevation changes to 30°. If the jet is flying at a speed of
720 km/hr, find the constant height at which the jet is flying. [use 3 = 1.732]
[AI CBSE 2008, 2014] [CBSE 2012]
8. A statue 1.46 m tall standing on the top of a pedestal. From a point on the ground, the
angle of elevation of the top of the statue is 60° and from the same point, the angle of
elevation of the top of the pedestal is 45°. Find the height of the pedestal. [Use 3 = 1.73]
[CBSE 2008, 2012]
9. From the top of a house, h metres high from the ground, the angles of elevation and
depression of the top and bottom of a tower on the other side of the street are θ and φ
respectively. Prove that the height of the tower is h (1 + tan θ cot φ). [AI CBSE, 2006, 2007]
10. A window in a building is at a height of 10 m from the ground. The angle of depression
of a point P on the ground from the window is 30°. The angle of elevation of the top of
the building from the point P is 60°. Find the height of the building. [AI CBSE 2007]
11. A pole 5 m high is fixed on the top of a tower. The angle of elevation of the top of the
pole observed from a point A on the ground is 60° and the angle of depression of point
A from the top of the tower is 45°. Find the height of the tower. [Take 3 = 1.732]
[AI CBSE 2004, 2007]
12. A boy standing on a horizontal plane finds a bird flying at a distance of 100 m from him
at an elevation of 30°. A gril standing on the roof of 20 m high building finds the angle
of elevation of the same bird to be 45°. Both the boy and the girl are on opposite sides
of the bird. Find the distance of bird from the girl. [CBSE 2007]
13. The angle of elevation of the top of a hill at the foot of the tower is 60° and the angle of
elevation of the top of the tower from the foot of the hill is 30°. If the tower is 50 m high,
find the height of the hill. [AI CBSE 2006 C]
14. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from a point on the same level as the foot of
the tower is 30°. On advancing 150 metres towards the foot of the tower, the angle of
elevation becomes 60°. Show that the height of the tower is 129.9 metres.
[Use 3 = 1.732] [CBSE 2006 C]
15. From a window 15 m high above the ground in a street, the angles of elevation and
depression of the top and foot of another house on the opposite side of the street are 30°
and 45° respectively. Show that the height of the opposite house is 23.66 metres.

[Take 3 = 1.732] [CBSE 2006 C]

16. A man standing on the deck of a ship, which 10 m above the water level, observes the
angle of elevation of the top of a hill as 60° and the angle of depression of the base of
the hill as 30°. Calculate the distance of the hill from the ship and the height of the hill.
[CBSE 2012] [AI CBSE 2006]
17. From a point ‘A’ on a straight road the angle of elevation of the top of a vertical tower
situated on the roof of a vertical building on the sam road is θ. The angle of elevation of
the bottom of the tower from a point B on the road is again θ. The height of the building
is 50 m. If AB : BY is 2 : 5, where Y is the base of building, then show that the height of
the tower is 20 m.
18. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower 30 m high from the foot of another tower in
the same plane is 60° and the angle of elevation of the top of the second tower from the
foot of the first tower is 30°. Find the distance between the two towers and also the height
of the other tower. [NCERT Exemplar]
19. An observer 1.5 m tall is 20.5 m away from a tower 22 m high. Determine the angle of
elevation of the top of the tower from the eye of the observer.
[NCERT Exemplar]
20. From a point on the ground the angles of elevation of the bottom and top of a transmission
tower fixed at the top of 20 m high building are 45° and 60°. Find the height of the tower.
21. The angle of elevation of a cloud from a point 200 m, above a lake is 30° and the angle
of depression of the reflection of the cloud in the lake is 60°. Find the height of the cloud.
[CBSE 2011, 2012]
22. A tree 12 m high is broken by the wind in such a way that its top touches the ground
and makes an angle of 60° with the ground. At what height from the bottom the tree is
broken by the wind? [CBSE 2011]
23. Two ships are there in the sea on either side of a lighthouse in such a way that the ships
and the lighthouse are in the same straight line. The angles of depression of two ships
as observed from the top of the lighthouse are 60° and 45°. If the height of the lighthouse
is 200m, find the distance between the two ships. [Use 3 = 1.732] [CBSE 2014]

Hint:
In rt Δ AMP, we have:
PM 200
= tan 60° ⇒ = 3
AM x
 200 P
⇒ x= ...(1)
3 45° 60°
In rt Δ BMP, we have :

Lighthouse
PM 200
= tan 45° ⇒ y = 1 200 m
BM
⇒ y = 200 ...(2) 60° A
B 45°
Solving (1) and (2), Ship-II M Ship-I
y x
we get required distance (x + y ) = 315.4 m

24. Two ships are approaching a ligh house from opposite directions. The angles of depression
of the two ships from the top of the light house are 30° and 45°. If the distance between
the two ships is 100 m, find the height of the light house. [Use 3 = 1.732]
[AI. CBSE (Foreign) 2014]
25. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower at a distance of 120m from a point A on the
ground is 45°. If the angle of elevation of the top of a flagstaff fixed at the top of the tower,
at A is 60°, then find the height of the flagstaff. [Use 3 = 1.73] [AI. CBSE 2014]

ANSWERS
TEST YOUR SKILLS
1. 34.64 m; 20 m 2. 3 seconds 3. 1268 m 4. 864 km/h 5. 1558.8 m
6. 1039.2 m 7. 2598 m 8. 2 m 10. 30 m 11. 6.82 m 12. 30 2 m
13. 150 m 15. 23.6 m 16. 40 m; 10 2 m 18. 10 3 m , 10 m
19. 45° 20. 20 ( 3 – 1) m 21. 400 m 22. 5.569 m. 23. 315.4 m
24. 36.6 m 25. 87.6 m