10 Applications of Trigonometry

5. In right-angled triangle ABC,

10 Applications of BC
tan 30° =
Trigonometry AB
BC = AB tan 30°
= 15 tan 30° m
Review Exercise 10 (p. 10.4)
= 8.66 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AB ∴ The height of the tree is 8.66 m.
1. (a) ∵ sin ∠C =
AC
6. Let x m be the distance between two consecutive trees on
3
sin θ = the slope.
8
5m
∴ θ = 22° (cor. to the nearest degree) cos 20° =
xm
5
YZ x=
(b) ∵ cos ∠Y = cos 20°
XY = 5.3 (cor. to the nearest 0.1)
9
cos θ = ∴ The distance between two consecutive trees on the
12 slope is 5.3 m.
∴ θ = 41° (cor. to the nearest degree)

QR Classwork
(c) ∵ tan ∠P =
PR
10 Classwork (p. 10.6)
tan θ = 4m
7 (a) Gradient of road AB =
∴ θ = 55° (cor. to the nearest degree) 12 m
1
=
3
9
2. tan 60° =
a 1
tan θ =
9 3
3=
a θ = 18.4° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
a=
9
(or 3 3 ) Inclination θ of road AB = 18.4° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
3
10 m
sin 60° =
9 (b) Gradient of road AB =
b 70 m
1
3 9 =
= 7
2 b
2 1
b = 9× tan θ =
3 7
18 θ = 8.1° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
= (or 6 3 )
3 Inclination θ of road AB = 8.1° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)

Classwork (p. 10.21)

3. In right-angled triangle ABC,
AC
cos θ = 1. (a) With the notations in the figure,
AB reflex ∠PAB = 360° − 60°
0.7 m
= = 300°
1.8 m ∴ The true bearing of B from
∴ θ = 67.1° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°) A is 300°.

4. With the notations in the figure,

in right-angled triangle KXY,
XK (b) With the notations in the figure,
sin 40° = ∠PAB = 90° + 18°
XY
XK = XY sin 40° = 108°
∴ The true bearing of B from A
= 30 sin 40° cm
is 108°.
= 19.3 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The top of the ruler is 19.3 cm above the table.

93
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

(c) With the notations in the figure, Quick Practice 10.3 (p. 10.9)
reflex ∠PAB = 180° + 10° (a) Vertical distance of AB = (250 − 100) m
= 190° = 150 m
∴ The true bearing of B from Since the scale of the map is 1 : 30 000,
A is 190°. horizontal distance of AB = 2 × 30 000 cm
= 60 000 cm
= 600 m
2. (a) The compass bearing of B from A is N30°W.
150 m
∴ Gradient of pipe AB =
(b) With the notations in the figure, 600 m
∠PAB = 90° − 50° 1
=
= 40° 4
∴ The compass bearing of B =1: 4
from A is N40°E.
(b) Let θ be the inclination of pipe AB.
Gradient of AB = tan θ
(c) With the notations in the figure,
1
∠PAB = 180° − 155° tan θ =
4
= 25°
∴ θ = 14.04° (cor. to the nearest 0.01°)
∴ The compass bearing of B
from A is S25°E. ∴ The inclination of pipe AB is 14.04°.

Quick Practice 10.4 (p. 10.13)

With the notations in the figure,
Quick Practice BE
tan ∠BAE =
AE
Quick Practice 10.1 (p. 10.6) DE − BD
=
(a) Let θ be the inclination of the road. AE
tan θ =
1 (66 − 32) m
=
6 25 m
∴ θ = 9.46° (cor. to the nearest 0.01°) 34
=
∴ The inclination of the road is 9.46°. 25
∴ ∠BAE = 53.7° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
vertical distance ∴ The angle of depression of B from A is 53.7° .
(b) ∵ Gradient =
horizontal distance
1 vertical distance Quick Practice 10.5 (p. 10.14)
=
6 100 m Consider △ACD.
2  50  CD
∴ Vertical distance = 16 m  or m tan 30° =
3  3  AD
74
2  50  AD = m
∴ The required vertical distance is 16 m  or m . tan 30°
3  3 
Consider △BCD.
CD
Quick Practice 10.2 (p. 10.7) tan 40° =
CF BD
∵ Gradient of road CD = 74
FD BD = m
1 2.5 m tan 40°
= ∴ AB = AD − BD
5 FD
∴ FD = 12.5 m  74 74 
= − m
∵ EF = AC  tan 30° tan 40° 
= 25 m = 40 m (cor. to the nearest m)
∴ BD = BE + EF + CD
= (10 + 25 + 12.5) m Quick Practice 10.6 (p. 10.15)
= 47.5 m With the notations in the figure, let CD = h m.
∴ The distance between B and D is 47.5 m. In △CDP,
∠CPD = ∠ECP (alt. ∠s, DQ // CE )
= 31°
CD
tan 31° =
DP
h
DP = m
tan 31°

94
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

In △CDQ, ∠CAE = 180° − ∠DAC

∠CQD = ∠ECQ (alt. ∠s, DQ // CE ) = 180° − 165°
= 23° = 15°
CD ∴ The compass bearing of C from A is S15°E.
tan 23° =
DQ
h (b) ∠DAB + ∠ABF = 180° (int. ∠s, DA // FB)
DQ = m ∠ABF = 180° − 105°
tan 23°
∵ DQ − DP = PQ = 75°
h h ∴ The compass bearing of A from B is N75°W.
∴ − = 150 Reflex ∠ABF = 360° − ∠ABF
tan 23° tan 31°
 1 1  = 360° − 75°
h −  = 150
 tan 23° tan 31°  = 285°
∴ The true bearing of A from B is 285°.
h = 217 (cor. to the nearest integer)
∴ The height of the cliff above sea level is 217 m.
(c) ∠CBG = 180° − ∠CBA − ∠ABF (adj. ∠s on st. line)
Quick Practice 10.7 (p. 10.16) = 180° − 60° − 75°
Let h m be the height of the flagpole. = 45°
In △BCD, ∴ The compass bearing of C from B is S45°W.
CD Reflex ∠CBF = 180° + ∠CBG
tan 35° =
DB = 180° + 45°
DB =
h
m = 225°
tan 35° ∴ The true bearing of C from B is 225°.
In △ADC,
CD Quick Practice 10.10 (p. 10.24)
tan 62° = With the notations in the figure,
AD
h (a) ∵ ∠DAO = ∠AOC (alt. ∠s, DA // OC )
AD = m = 28°
tan 62°
∵ AD + DB = AB ∴ ∠OAB = ∠DAO + ∠DAB
h h = 28° + 62°
∴ + = 47
tan 62° tan 35° = 90°
 1 1  Consider △AOB.
h +  = 47 AB
 tan 62 ° tan 35°  tan ∠AOB =
AO
h = 24.0 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
3.5 km
∴ The height of the flagpole is 24.0 m. =
5 km
Quick Practice 10.8 (p. 10.21) ∴ ∠AOB ≈ 34.9920°
With the notations in the figure, ∴ ∠BOC = ∠AOC + ∠AOB
∠CDG = ∠ECD (alt. ∠s, DG // EC ) ≈ 28° + 34.9920°
= 112° = 63.0° (cor. to 1 d.p.)
Reflex ∠CDF = ∠CDG + 180° ∴ The true bearing of B from O is 063.0°.
= 112° + 180°
= 292° (b) Consider △AOB.
∴ The true bearing of C from D is 292°. OB 2 = OA 2 + AB 2 (Pyth. theorem)
OB = 5 2 + 3.5 2 km
Quick Practice 10.9 (p. 10.22)
= 6.1 km (cor. to 1 d.p.)
∴ The distance between B and O is 6.1 km.

Quick Practice 10.11 (p. 10.25)

With the notations in the figure, let AD = d m.
Consider △ABD.
∠BAD = 90° − ∠EAB
= 90° − 80°
With the notations in the figure, = 10°
(a) ∵ △ABC is an equilateral triangle. BD
∴ ∠BAC = ∠ACB = ∠ABC = 60° (prop. of equil. △) tan 10° =
AD
∠DAC = ∠DAB + ∠BAC BD = d tan 10° m
= 105° + 60°
= 165°
∴ The true bearing of C from A is 165°.

95
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

Consider △ACD. ∵ PT = ST
∠CAD = 90° − ∠FAC ∴ ∠SPT = ∠PST (base ∠s, isos. △)
= 90° − 75° ∴ ∠STR = ∠SPT + ∠PST (ext. ∠of △)
= 15° = 2 × ∠SPT
tan 15° =
CD ≈ 2 × 38.6598°
AD = 77° (cor. to the nearest degree)
CD = d tan 15° m
∵ BD + CD = BC Alternative Solution
∴ d tan 10° + d tan 15° = 40 Let M be the mid-point of SR. From the properties of rectangles,
d (tan 10° + tan 15°) = 40 1
we know that TM ⊥ SR, TM bisects ∠STR and TM = PS .
d = 90 (cor. to the nearest integer) 2
∴ Dragon boat A is 90 m from the finishing line. Consider △RTM.
RM
tan ∠RTM =
Quick Practice 10.12 (p. 10.26) TM
Consider △DAC. 2 cm
=
∠DAC = 90° − 57° 5 cm
= 33° 2
CD ∴ ∠RTM ≈ 38.6598°
tan 33° =
AC ∴ ∠STR = 2 × ∠RTM
AC =
CD ≈ 2 × 38.6598°
tan 33° = 77° (cor. to the nearest degree)
Consider △DBC.
∠DBC = 90° − 12° Quick Practice 10.15 (p. 10.33)
= 78° Let PR intersect QS at M. From the properties of rhombuses, we
CD know that the diagonal QS bisects ∠PQR and the two diagonals
tan 78° =
BC are the perpendicular bisectors of each other.
QS 8 cm
BC =
CD ∴ MQ = = = 4 cm
tan 78° 2 2
∵ AC − BC = AB PR 10 cm
MR = = = 5 cm
CD CD 2 2
∴ − = 64 km Consider right-angled triangle MQR.
tan 33° tan 78°
MR
 1 1  tan ∠MQR =
CD  −  = 64 km MQ
 tan 33° tan 78° 
5 cm
CD = 48.2 km (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) =
4 cm
∴ The distance between the ship and D is 48.2 km.
∴ ∠MQR ≈ 51.3402°
Quick Practice 10.13 (p. 10.31) ∴ ∠ PQR = 2 × ∠MQR
Let M be the mid-point of QR. From the properties of isosceles ≈ 2 × 51.3402°
triangles, we know that PM ⊥ QR and PM bisects ∠QPR. = 102.7° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
Consider △QPM.
50°
∠QPM = = 25° Quick Practice 10.16 (p. 10.34)
2 (a) In right-angled triangle SPT,
QM PT
sin 25° = cos ∠P =
QP PS
QM = 6 sin 25°cm PT = PS cos ∠P
∴ QR = 2 × QM = 6 cos 50° cm
= 2 × 6 sin 25° cm = 3.86 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= 5.07 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) ST
sin ∠P =
PS
Quick Practice 10.14 (p. 10.32) ST = PS sin ∠P
Consider △PSR. = 6 sin 50° cm
∠PSR = 90° (property of rectangle)
= 4.60 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
SR
tan ∠SPR =
PS
4 cm
(b) PQ = SR (opp. sides of // gram)
= = 8 cm
5 cm
In right-angled triangle STQ,
∴ ∠SPR ≈ 38.6598°
From the properties of rectangles, we know that TQ = PQ − PT
PT = ST = QT = RT. = (8 − 6 cos 50°) cm

96
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

QS 2 = ST 2 + TQ 2 (Pyth. theorem) ∵ SB – SA = AB
TS
QS = (6 sin 50°)2 + (8 − 6 cos 50°)2 cm ∴ − TS = 72 m
tan 30°
= 6.19 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
 1 
TS  − 1 = 72 m
 tan 30° 
TS = 98 m (cor. to the nearest m)
Further Practice
∴ The height of the building TS is 98 m.
Further Practice (p. 10.9)
Further Practice (p. 10.23)
1. (a) Let θ be the inclination of the road.
1. (a) The compass bearing of A from B is N50°E.
1
tan θ =
8 (b) The compass bearing of A from C is N37°E.
∴ θ ≈ 7.1250°
= 7.13° (cor. to 2 d.p.) (c)
∴ The inclination of the road is 7.13°.

(b) Let d m be the actual distance she has travelled.

2m
sin 7.1250° = dm
dm 2m
2 7.1250°
d=
sin 7.1250°
= 16.12 (cor. to 2 d.p.) With the notations in the figure,
∴ The actual distance she has travelled is 16.12 m. ∵ ∠CAD = ∠BCA = 37° (alt. ∠s, AD // BC)
∴ The compass bearing of C from A is S37°W.
2. (a) (i) CD is measured 1 cm long on the map.
2.
(ii) Vertical distance of CD = (300 − 200) m
= 100 m
Since the scale of the map is 1 : 20 000,
horizontal distance of CD = 1× 20 000 cm
= 200 m J
K
100 m
∴ Gradient of road CD =
200 m
1 With the notations in the figure,
= (a) ∵ Reflex ∠JGE = 270° + ∠EGF
2
= 270° + 50°
(b) Let θ be the inclination of road CD. = 320°
Gradient of CD = tan θ ∴ The true bearing of E from G is 320°.
1
tan θ = (b) ∵ ∠KFH = 90° − ∠HFG
2
= 90° − 45°
∴ θ = 27° (cor. to the nearest degree)
= 45°
∴ The inclination of road CD is 27°.
∴ The true bearing of H from F is 045°.
Further Practice (p. 10.17)
(c) ∵ ∠KFG = 90°
(a) Distance between A and B = 6 × 12 m = 72 m
∴ The true bearing of G from F is 090°.
(b) Consider △TSA. ∠LEF = ∠EFG (alt. ∠s, LE // FG )
(d) ∵
TS
tan 45° = = 20° + 45°
SA
= 65°
TS
1= ∴ Reflex ∠FEM = 270° − ∠LEF
SA
= 270° − 65°
SA = TS
Consider △TSB. = 205°
∴ The true bearing of F from E is 205°.
TS
tan 30° =
SB
TS
SB =
tan 30°

97
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

Further Practice (p. 10.27) 2. (a) Let θ be the inclination of the road.
1
D tan θ =
15
∴ θ = 3.81° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The inclination of the road is 3.81°.

(b) Let θ be the inclination of the road.

tan θ = 0.1
∴ θ = 5.71° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The inclination of the road is 5.71°.

With the notations in the figure, (c) Let θ be the inclination of the road.
(a) ∠PAB + ∠ABQ = 180° (int. ∠s, PA // QB)
1
56° + (∠ABC + 34°) = 180° tan θ =
7
∠ABC = 90° ∴ θ = 8.13° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The inclination of the road is 8.13°.
(b) Construct AD ⊥ CD.
Consider △ABC. 3. (a) Gradient of the inclined plane
AC = AB + BC (Pyth. theorem)
2 2 2 = tan 25°
= 0.466 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AC = 12 2 + 7 2 km
= 193 km (b) Gradient of the inclined plane = tan θ
tan ∠CAB =
BC = 0.125
AB 125
7 km =
= 1000
12 km 1
∴ ∠CAB ≈ 30.2564° =
8
Consider △ACD.
= 1: 8
∠CAD = ∠BAD − ∠CAB
≈ 56° − 30.2564°
4. Let θ be the inclination of the tram route.
= 25.7436° 45 m
CD tan θ =
sin ∠CAD = 180 m
AC ∴ θ = 14.0° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
CD = AC sin ∠CAD
∴ The inclination of the tram route is 14.0°.
≈ 193 sin 25.7436° km
= 6 km (cor. to the nearest km) vertical distance
5. ∵ Gradient =
∴ The boat should sail 6 km to the west from port C. horizontal distance
1 vertical distance
=
12 36 m
Exercise ∴ Vertical distance = 3 m
∴ The required vertical distance is 3 m.
Exercise 10A (p. 10.10)
Level 1
6. (a) Let θ be the inclination of the ramp.
vertical distance
1. (a) Gradient = tan θ =
1
horizontal distance 12
3m θ ≈ 4.7636°
= ∴
33 m
= 4.76° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
1
= ∴ The inclination of the ramp is 4.76°.
11
(b) Let d m be the actual length of the ramp.
vertical distance 3m
(b) Gradient = sin 4.7636° = dm
horizontal distance dm 3m
4.7636°
18 m 3
= d=
52 m sin 4.7636°
9 = 36.1 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
=
26 ∴ The actual length of the ramp is 36.1 m.

98
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

7. Vertical distance of AB = (350 − 300) m vertical distance

(b) Gradient of the hill path =
= 50 m horizontal distance
50 m 33 m
∴ Gradient of AB = =
180 m 44 m
5 3
= =
18 4

8. (a) (i) CD is measured 1.5 cm long on the map. (c) Let θ be the inclination of the hill path.
3
tan θ =
(ii) Vertical distance of CD = (400 − 375) m 4
= 25 m ∴ θ = 36.9° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
Since the scale of the map is 1 : 10 000, ∴ The inclination of the hill path is 36.9°.
horizontal distance of CD = 1.5 × 10 000 cm
11. (a) Let θ be the inclination of the ski slope.
= 15 000 cm
1
= 150 m tan θ =
3
25 m
∴ Gradient of road CD = ∴ θ ≈ 18.4349°
150 m
= 18.4° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
1
= ∴ The inclination of the ski slope is 18.4°.
6
(b) Let d m be the actual distance Kitty has travelled.
(b) Let θ be the inclination of road CD. 50 m
Gradient of CD = tan θ sin 18.4349° =
dm
1 50
tan θ = d=
6 sin 18.4349°
∴ θ = 9.46° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) ≈ 158.1139
∴ The inclination of road CD is 9.46°. = 158 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The actual distance Kitty has travelled is 158 m.
Level 2
9. 158.1139
(c) Average speed of Kitty ≈ m/s
13.45
= 11.8 m/s (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

With the notations in the figure, 12.

AB
(a) gradient of AC =
BC
(3 − 1) m
= With the notations in the figure,
50 m (a) let ∠QPT = θ .
1
= tan θ =
1
25 20
= 1 : 25 ∴ θ ≈ 2.8624°
∴ The gradient of the bottom of the swimming
QT
pool is 1 : 25. sin θ =
PQ
1 QT ≈ 100 sin 2.8624° m
(b) tan θ =
25 ≈ 4.9938 m
∴ θ = 2.29° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) = 4.99 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The angle that the bottom of the swimming pool ∴ The required vertical distance is 4.99 m.
makes with the horizontal is 2.29°.
Alternative Solution
Let QT = h m.
10.
QT
∵ Gradient of road PQ =
PT
1 hm
=
(a) Horizontal distance = 55 2 − 332 m (Pyth. theorem) 20 PT
∴ PT = 20h m
= 44 m

99
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

2.
PQ = h 2 + (20h)2 m (Pyth. theorem)
100 = 401 h
h ≈ 4.9938
= 4.99 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
xm
∴ The required vertical distance is 4.99 m.
With the notations in the figure,
consider right-angled triangle ABC.
(b) RU = RS − US ∠ACB = ∠CAD (alt. ∠s, CB // DA)
= RS − QT = 5°
≈ (20 − 4.9938) m AB
tan 5° =
= 15.0062 m BC
Consider right-angled triangle RQU. 5m
=
QU 2 = QR 2 − RU 2 (Pyth. theorem) xm
5
QU ≈ 802 − 15.00622 m x=
tan 5°
≈ 78.5800 m
= 57.2 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
RU
Gradient of road QR = ∴ The horizontal distance between the lifeguard and the
QU
swimmer is 57.2 m.
15.0062 m
≈
78.5800 m 3. With the notations in the figure, let ∠CAE = θ.
= 0.19 (cor. to 2 d.p.) CE = CD − DE C

= CD − AB
A
13. (a) (i) Vertical distance of AB = (430 − 350) m = (12 − 1.3) m θ 12 m
E
= 80 m = 10.7 m
Since the scale of the map is 1 : 25 000, AE = BD = 40 m B D
horizontal distance of AB = 1.3 × 25 000 cm Consider right-angled triangle AEC.
= 32 500 cm CE
tan θ =
= 325 m AE
80 m 10.7 m
∴ Gradient of AB = =
325 m 40 m
= 0.246 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) ∴ θ = 15.0° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The angle of elevation of the top of the flagstaff from
his eye level is 15.0°.
(ii) Vertical distance of AC = (430 − 300) m
= 130 m 4. Join BC and let ∠CBD = θ.
Since the scale of the map is 1 : 25 000, Consider △AEC.
horizontal distance of AC = 1.5 × 25 000 cm AE = BD = 30 m
= 37 500 cm CE
tan 35° =
= 375 m AE
130 m CE = AE tan 35°
∴ Gradient of AC =
375 m = 30 tan 35° m
= 0.347 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) ∴ CD = CE + ED
= (30 tan 35° + 25) m θ
(b) ∵ Gradient of AB < gradient of AC Consider △BDC.
∴ AB is less steep. CD
tan θ =
BD
Exercise 10B (p. 10.17) (30 tan 35° + 25) m
=
Level 1 30 m
1. Consider right-angled triangle ABC. ∴ θ = 56.9° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
BC
cos 53° = ∴ The angle of elevation of C from B is 56.9°.
AB
BC = AB cos 53° 5. In △ABC,
= 100 cos 53° m BC
tan 52° =
= 60.2 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) AB
∴ The horizontal distance between the kite and his hand BC = AB tan 52°
is 60.2 m. = 6 tan 52° m

100
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

In △ABD, ∴ AB = AD − BD
tan 43° =
BD ≈ (10.9957 − 8) m
AB = 3.0 m (cor. to the nearest 0.1 m)
BD = AB tan 43° ∴ The height of the statue is 3.0 m.
= 6 tan 43° m
∴ CD = BC − BD 8.
= (6 tan 52° − 6 tan 43°) m
= 2.1 m (cor. to 1 d.p.)

6. F
With the notations in the figure,
in △ABD,
∠ADB = ∠EAD (alt. ∠s, CD // FE )
= 26°
AB
E tan 26° =
BD
AB
BD =
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from C to AB. tan 26°
∴ EC = BD = 83 m =
60
m
With the notations in the figure, tan 26°
consider △ABD. In △ACB,
∠BDA = ∠FAD (alt. ∠s, BD // AF) ∠ACB = ∠FAC (alt. ∠s, CD // FE )
= 43.6° = 48°
AB
tan 43.6° = AB
BD tan 48° =
CB
AB = BD tan 43.6°
AB
= 83 tan 43.6° m CB =
tan 48°
= 79.0 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) 60
∴ The height of building AB is 79.0 m. = m
tan 48°
Consider △AEC. ∴ CD = CB + BD
∠ACE = ∠FAC (alt. ∠s, EC // AF )
 60 60 
= 34.2° = + m
 tan 48° tan26 °
AE
tan 34.2° = = 177 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
EC
∴ The distance between the two boats is 177 m.
AE = EC tan 34.2° m
= 83 tan 34.2° m Level 2
∴ CD = EB 9. In right-angled triangle ADC,
= AB − AE CD
tan 30° =
= (83 tan 43.6° − 83 tan 34.2°) m AD
= 22.6 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) CD
AD =
∴ The height of building CD is 22.6 m. tan 30°
In right-angled triangle BCD,
In △BCD, CD
7. tan 60° =
BD BD
tan ∠BCD = CD
CD BD =
8m tan 60°
= ∵ AD + BD = AB
20 m
∴ ∠BCD ≈ 21.8014° CD CD
∴ + = 15 m
In △ACD, tan 30° tan 60°
∠ACD = ∠BCD + ∠ACB  1 1 
CD  +  = 15 m
≈ 21.8014° + 7°  tan 30 ° tan 60° 
= 28.8014° CD = 6.50 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AD ∴ The height of the tree CD is 6.50 m.
tan ∠ACD =
CD
AD = CD tan ∠ACD Alternative Solution
∠ACB = 180° − ∠CAB − ∠CBA (∠ sum of △)
≈ 20 tan 28.8014° m
= 180° − 30° − 60°
= 10.9957 m
= 90°

101
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

In right-angled triangle ABC, CD = CE + ED

BC  
cos 60° = =
10
+ 10  m
AB
 tan 70° − 1 
BC = AB cos 60°
= 15.7 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= 15 cos 60° m
∴ The height of the tree is 15.7 m.
In right-angled triangle BCD,
CD
sin 60° = 12. Construct FB // CE.
BC Consider △ACD.
CD = BC sin 60° AD
F

= 15 cos 60° sin 60° m sin 30° =

AC
= 6.50 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) AD
AC =
∴ The height of the tree CD is 6.50 m. sin 30°
60
10. = m
sin 30°
Consider △BCE.
60
∵ BC = AC = m
sin 30°
BE
sin ∠BCE =
BC
100 m
=
With the notations in the figure, 60
m
in △CAD, sin 30°
∠CAD = ∠ECA (alt. ∠s, AD // EC ) ∴ ∠BCE = 56.4° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= 40° ∴ The required angle of depression
CD = ∠FBC
tan 40° =
AD = ∠BCE (alt. ∠s, FB // CE )
CD = 56.4°
AD =
tan 40°
In △CBD,
∠CBD = ∠ECB (alt. ∠s, AD // EC ) 13.
= 75°
CD
tan 75° =
BD
CD
BD =
tan 75°
∵ AD – BD = AB
CD CD
∴ − = 90 m
tan 40° tan 75°
 1 1 
CD  −  = 90 m
 tan 40° tan 75°  With the notations in the figure,
CD = 97.4 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) in △BDC,
∴ The height of the building CD is 97.4 m. ∠BCD = ∠FBC (alt. ∠s, CD // FB)
= 50°
11. In △AEC,
BD
CE tan 50° =
tan 45° = CD
AE
BD
CE CD = ……(1)
1= tan 50°
AE In △ADC,
AE = CE
∠ACD = ∠EAC (alt. ∠s, CD // EA)
In △BDC,
= 63°
CD
tan 70° = AD
BD tan 63° =
CE + 10 m CD
= 15 m + BD
AE =
CE + 10 m CD
= 15 m + BD
CE CD = ……(2)
CE (tan 70° − 1) = 10 m tan 63°
10
CE = m
tan 70° − 1
102
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

From (1) and (2), we have

3.
BD 15 m + BD
=
tan 50° tan 63°
BD (tan 63° − tan 50°) = 15 tan 50° m
BD = 23.2 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The height of the cliff BD is 23.2 m.

14. In △MAQ,
AQ
tan 45° =
MQ
AQ
1=
MQ
AQ = MQ
In △P AQ, With the notations in the figure,
(a) ∵ ∠EAD = 90° − 30° = 60°
AQ
tan 32° = ∴ The compass bearing of D from A is N60°E.
PQ
MQ (b) ∵ ∠ADF = ∠DAP (alt.∠s, FD // AP)
=
1000 m + MQ = 30°
(1 − tan 32°) MQ = 1000 tan 32° m ∠CDG = ∠CDF − 90°
MQ = 1666 m (cor. to the nearest m) = (30° + 80°) − 90°
∴ The helicopter should travel 1666 m horizontally = 20°
from M to Q. ∴ The compass bearing of C from D is S20°E.
Exercise 10C (p. 10.27) (c) ∵ ∠CDG + ∠DCK = 180° (int. ∠s, DG // CK )
Level 1
20° + (75° + ∠BCK ) = 180°
1. ∠BCK = 85°
∴ The compass bearing of B from C is S85°W.

(d) ∵ ∠CBM = ∠BCK (alt. ∠s, BM // KC )

= 85°
∠ABM = ∠ABC − ∠CBM
= 118° − 85°
= 33°
∴ The compass bearing of A from B is N33°W.
With the notations in the figure,
4.
∠EBA = ∠BAD (alt.∠s, EB // AD)
= 25°
∴ The compass bearing of A from B is S25°E.

2.

With the notations in the figure,

(a) ∵ Reflex ∠FAB = 270° − 50°
= 220°
With the notations in the figure, ∴ The true bearing of B from A is 220°.
∠ABC = ∠EAB (alt.∠s, BC // EA)
= 22° (b) ∵ ∠GBA + ∠BAF = 180° (int. ∠s, GB // FA)
Reflex ∠DBA = 180° + 22° ∠GBA + (50° + 90°) = 180°
= 202° ∠GBA = 40°
∴ The ship should sail in the direction S22°W (compass
bearing) or 202° (true bearing).

103
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

∠GBC = ∠GBA + ∠ABC 7.

= 40° + 28°
= 68°
∴ The true bearing of C from B is 068°.

(c) ∵ ∠JCD = 90° + 19°

= 109°
∴ The true bearing of D from C is 109°.

With the notations in the figure,

(d) ∵ ∠CDL = ∠KCD (alt.∠s, LD // CK)
AB
= 19° tan ∠ACB =
BC
Reflex ∠PDA = 270° + 19° + 22°
4 km
= 311° =
5 km
∴ The true bearing of A from D is 311°. ∴ ∠ACB ≈ 38.6599°
∴ ∠ACE = 90° − ∠ACB
5. = 51.3° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
Reflex ∠DCA = 270° − ∠ACB
≈ 270° − 38.6599°
= 231° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The man should take the direction of S51.3°W
(compass bearing) or 231° (true bearing).

8. ∠CAB = 90° − 50°

= 40°
BC
sin 40° =
AB
BC = AB sin 40°
= 110 sin 40° km
With the notations in the figure, Time needed to reach point C
∠CAB = 220° − 135° 110 sin 40°
= hours
= 85° 20
∠FAB + ∠ABE = 180° (int. ∠s, FA // EB) = 3.5 hours (cor. to the nearest 0.1 hour)
135° + ∠ABE = 180°
9. (a) ∠QAB = 90° − 45° = 45°
∠ABE = 45°
∠ABC = 360° − 290° − 45° (∠s at a pt.) ∠QBA = 90° − 45° = 45°
= 25° ∠AQB = 180° − ∠QAB − ∠QBA (∠ sum of △)
∠ACB = 180° − ∠CAB − ∠ABC (∠sum of △) = 180° − 45° − 45°
= 180° − 85° − 25° = 90°
Consider right-angled triangle ABQ.
= 70°
AQ
cos ∠QAB =
AB
6. In △AOB, AQ = AB cos ∠QAB
∵ ∠AOB = 23° + 67° = 90°
= 850 cos 45° m
∴ AB 2 = AO 2 + BO 2 (Pyth. theorem)
= 601 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AB = 2 2 + 2 2 km ∴ The distance between A and Q is 601 m.
= 8 km (or 2 2 km)
(b) Consider right-angled triangle PAB.
∴ The distance between A and B is 8 km (or 2 2 km) . AB
cos ∠PAB =
AP
AB
AP =
cos ∠PAB
850
= m
cos 45°
PQ = AP − AQ
 850 
= − 850 cos 45°  m
 cos 45° 
= 601 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

104
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

∴ The distance between P and Q is 601 m.

12.
Alternative Solution
∵ ∠QAB = ∠QBA = 45° (from (a))
∴ QB = QA (sides opp. equal ∠s)
= 850 cos 45° m
Consider right-angled triangle PQB.
PQ
tan ∠PBQ =
QB
PQ = QB tan ∠PBQ
= 850 cos 45° tan 45° m
= 601 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The distance between P and Q is 601 m. (a) ∠BAC = 180° − 73° − 17° (adj.∠s on st. line)
= 90°
Level 2 Consider right-angled triangle ACB.
10. (a) BC 2 = AB 2 + AC 2 (Pyth. theorem)
BC = 64 2 + 50 2 km
= 81.2 km (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The distance between B and C is 81.2 km.

(b) With the notations in the figure,

With the notations in the figure, consider right-angled triangle ACB.
∠AOQ = 360° − 284° AB
tan ∠BCA =
= 76° AC
obtuse angle POQ = 76° + 63° 64 km
=
= 139° 50 km
∴ ∠BCA ≈ 52.0013°
(b) ∠ACE = ∠DAC (alt.∠s, CE // DA)
= 17°
∴ ∠ECB = ∠BCA − ∠ACE
≈ 52.0013° − 17°
= 35.0° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ B is in the direction 035.0° (true bearing) or
With the notations in the figure, N35.0°E (compass bearing) from C.
∠AOQ = 360° − 348°
= 12° 13.
obtuse angle POQ = 12° + 93°
= 105°

11. Consider △OBC.

∠OCB = 270° − 208°
= 62°
OB
tan 62° =
OC
OB = OC tan 62°
= 5 tan 62° km
Consider △OAC.
∠OCA = 270° − 252° With the notations in the figure,
= 18° ∠ABE + ∠DAB = 180° (int. ∠s, BE // AD)
OA (∠ABC + 15°) + 75° = 180°
tan 18° =
OC ∠ABC = 180° − 15° − 75°
OA = OC tan 18° = 90°
= 5 tan 18° km Consider right-angled triangle ACB.
∴ AB = OB − OA tan ∠ACB =
AB
= (5 tan 62° − 5 tan 18°) km BC
= 7.78 km (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) 1800 m
=
1200 m
∴ The distance between A and B is 7.78 km.
∴ ∠ACB ≈ 56.3099°

105
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

∠FCB = ∠CBE (alt.∠s, FC // BE) 15.

= 15°
∴ ∠ACF = ∠ACB − ∠FCB
≈ 56.3099° − 15°
= 41.3099°
= 41.3° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
Reflex ∠ACF ≈ 360° − 41.3099°
= 319° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The direction he should take is N41.3°W (compass
bearing) or 319° (true bearing).

14.
Construct AD ⊥ BC.
In △ABD,
∠BAD = 203° − 180°
= 23°
BD
tan 23° =
AD
BD = AD tan 23°
In △ADC,
∠CAD = 180° − 129°
= 51°
CD
tan 51° =
(a) ∠BOA = 220° − 130° AD
= 90° CD = AD tan 51°
Consider right-angled triangle AOB. ∵ BD + CD = BC
Distance car A travels in 2 hours ∴ AD tan 23° + AD tan 51° = 32 m
= 75 × 2 km AD(tan 23° + tan 51°) = 32 m
= 150 km = 19.3 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
Distance car B travels in 2 hours
= 100 × 2 km ∴ The width of the river is 19.3 m.
= 200 km
Distance between the two cars after 2 hours 16. Consider △BCD.
BD
= 150 2 + 200 2 km (Pyth. theorem) tan 69° =
BC
= 250 km BD = BC tan 69°
Consider △ABC.
(b) With the notations in the figure, BA
BO tan 38° =
tan ∠OAB = BC
AO BA = BC tan 38°
200 km ∵ BD – BA = AD
=
150 km ∴ BC tan 69° − BC tan 38° = 957 km
∴ ∠OAB ≈ 53.1301° BC (tan 69° − tan 38°) = 957 km
∠OAD = ∠COA (alt. ∠s, AD // CO)
957
∠OAB + ∠BAD = 130° BC = km
tan 69° − tan 38°
53.1301° + ∠BAD = 130° 957
∠BAD = 76.9° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ Speed of the aeroplane = tan 69° − tan 38° km/h
∴ The compass bearing of B from A after 2 hours 1.5
is S76.9°W. = 350 km/h (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

17. (a) 450 m

School
N

45°

300 m N

1 km Bus stop

106
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

(b) 450 m
School ∴ ∠BAC = 2 × ∠BAD
N D
≈ 2 × 19.4712°
C
45° N = 38.9° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
F
G
300 m
(b) Consider △ABD.
B
E 1 km Bus stop A AD 2 + BD 2 = AB 2 (Pyth. theorem)

With the notations in the figure, AD = 122 − 4 2 cm

join AD and construct DE ⊥ AB and CF ⊥ DE. = 11.3 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
In △CFD,
∠DCF = 90° − 45° 2. From the properties of rectangles, we know that
= 45° AP = BP = CP = DP and ∠DAB = 90°.
CF ∴ AP = DP
cos 45° =
CD ∴ ∠DAP = ∠ADP (base ∠s, isos. △)
CF = CD cos 45° In △APD,
= 450 cos 45° m ∠DAP + ∠ADP + ∠APD = 180° (∠ sum of △)
∴ AE = AB − BE 2∠ADP = 180° − 130°
= AB − CF ∠ADP = 25°
= 1 km − 450 cos 45° m (a) In right-angled triangle ABD,
AB
= (1000 − 450 cos 45°) m tan ∠ADB =
AD
DF
sin 45° = AD =
AB
CD tan ∠ADB
DF = CD sin 45° 3 .5
= 450 sin 45° m = cm
tan 25°
∴ DE = DF + EF = 7.51 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= DF + BC
= (450 sin 45° + 300) m (b) In right-angled triangle ABD,
AD = AE + DE (Pyth. theorem)
2 2 2 AB
sin ∠ADB =
BD
AD = (1000 − 450 cos 45°)2 + (450 sin 45° + 300)2 m AB
BD =
= 920 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) sin ∠ADB
∴ The distance between the bus stop and the 3.5
= cm
school is 920 m. sin 25°
= 8.28 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
(c) With the notations in the figure,
consider △ADE.
DE 3.
tan ∠DAE =
AE
( 450 sin 45° + 300) m
=
(1000 − 450 cos 45°) m
∴ ∠DAE ≈ 42.1990°
∴ ∠GAD = 90° − ∠DAE
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from A to BC.
≈ 90° − 42.1990°
Consider △ABE.
= 47.8° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) AE
∴ The compass bearing of the school from the bus sin ∠ABE =
AB
stop is N47.8°W. AE = AB sin ∠ABE
Exercise 10D (p. 10.34) = 5 sin 56° cm
Level 1 ∴ Area of parallelogram ABCD
1. From the properties of isosceles triangles, we know that D = BC × AE
is the mid-point of BC and AD bisects ∠BAC. = 8 × 5 sin 56° cm 2
BC 8 cm
∴ BD = = = 4 cm = 33.2 cm 2 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
2 2
(a) Consider △ABD.
BD
sin ∠BAD =
AB
4 cm
=
12 cm
∴ ∠BAD ≈ 19.4712°

107
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

Perimeter of trapezium ABCD

4. = AB + BC + CD + AD
 6 
= + 22 + 6 tan 58° + 16  cm
 cos 58° 
= 58.9 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

Let D be the foot of perpendicular from A to BC. From the (c) Area of trapezium ABCD
1
properties of isosceles triangles, we know that D is the = × ( AD + BC ) × CD
mid-point of BC and AD bisects ∠BAC. 2
∵ AB = AC and AB + AC + BC = 26 cm 1
= × (16 + 22) × 6 tan 58° cm 2
∴ 2 AB + 10 cm = 26 cm 2
AB = 8 cm = 182 cm 2 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
In right-angled triangle ABD,
BD 6. (a) Let AC intersect BD at Q.
sin ∠BAD =
AB From the properties of rhombuses, we know that the
10 cm diagonals of the rhombus are the perpendicular
bisectors of each other.
= 2 AC
8 cm ∴ AQ =
∴ ∠BAD ≈ 38.6822° 2
Q
∠BAC = 2 × ∠BAD =
7 cm
≈ 2 × 38.6822° 2
= 3.5 cm
= 77.4° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
In right-angled triangle ABQ,
∴ The size of vertical angle of △ABC is 77.4°.
AQ 2 + BQ 2 = AB 2 (Pyth. theorem)
∠ABD = 180° − 90° − ∠BAD (∠ sum of △)
≈ 90° − 38.6822° BQ = AB 2 − AQ 2
= 51.3° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) = 82 − 3.52 cm
∴ The size of each base angle of △ABC is 51.3°. = 51.75 cm
BD = 2 × BQ
5. = 2 × 51.75 cm
= 14.4 cm (cor. to 1 d.p.)

(b) In right-angled triangle ABQ,

AQ
sin ∠ABQ =
AB
3.5 cm
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from A to BC. =
8 cm
(a) Consider right-angled triangle ABE.
∴ ∠ABQ ≈ 25.9445°
BE = BC − CE
= BC − DA ∠BAQ = 180° − ∠ABQ − ∠AQB (∠ sum of △)
= (22 − 16) cm ≈ 180° − 25.9445° − 90°
= 6 cm = 64.0555°
From the properties of rhombuses, we know that the
BE
cos ∠ABE = diagonal AC bisects ∠BAD and the diagonal BD
AB bisects ∠ABC.
BE ∴ ∠ABC = 2 × ∠ABQ
AB =
cos ∠ABE ≈ 2 × 25.9445°
6
= cm = 51.9° (cor. to 1 d.p.)
cos 58°
= 11.3 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) ∠BAD = 2 × ∠BAQ
≈ 2 × 64.0555°
(b) Consider right-angled triangle ABE. = 128.1° (cor. to 1 d.p.)

tan ∠ABE =
AE ∠ADC = ∠ABC (property of rhombus)
BE = 51.9° (cor. to 1 d.p.)
AE = BE tan ∠ABE
∠BCD = ∠BAD (property of rhombus)
= 6 tan 58° cm
= 128.1° (cor. to 1 d.p.)
CD = AE
= 6 tan 58° cm

108
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

7. (a) In right-angled triangle ABC, Level 2

AC
tan ∠ABC = 9.
AB
AC
AB =
tan ∠ABC
6
= cm
tan 39° Let D be the mid-point of AB. From the properties of
= 7.41 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) isosceles triangles, we know that CD ⊥ AB.
AC ∵ Area of △ABC = 58 cm2
sin ∠ABC = 1
BC ∴ × AB × CD = 58 cm 2
AC 2
BC = 1
sin ∠ABC × 18 cm × CD = 58 cm 2
6 2
= cm 58
sin 39° CD = cm
AD = BC (opp. sides of // gram) 9
Consider right-angled triangle ADC.
6
= cm CD
sin 39° tan ∠A =
AD
= 9.53 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
58
cm
(b) Area of parallelogram ABCD = 9
18
= AB × AC cm
2
6 ∠A = 35.6045°
= × 6 cm 2 ∴
tan 39° = 35.6° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
= 44.5 cm 2 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∠B = ∠A (base ∠s, isos. △)
8. (a) Consider △AFB. = 35.6° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
∠ABF + ∠BFA + ∠FAB = 180° (∠ sum of △) ∠C = 180° − ∠A − ∠B (∠ sum of △)
∠ABF = 180° − 90° − 20° = 180° − 2 × 35.6045°
= 70° = 108.8° (cor. to the nearest 0.1°)
∵ ABCD is a rectangle.
∴ ∠ABC = 90° (property of rectangle) 10. (a) ∵ ABCD is an isosceles trapezium where AD // BC
∠ABF + ∠ABC + ∠CBE = 180° (adj. ∠s on st. line) and AB = DC.
∠CBE = 180° − 90° − 70° ∴ BE = CF
= 20° BE + EF + CF = 18 cm
BE + AD + BE = 18 cm
(b) BC = AD = 4 cm 2 BE = (18 − 8) cm
AB = DC = 7 cm BE = 5 cm
Consider △BEC.
BE (b) In right-angled triangle ABE,
cos ∠CBE =
BC AB 2 = BE 2 + AE 2 (Pyth. theorem)
BE = BC cos ∠CBE
AB = 5 2 + 15 2 cm
= 4 cos 20° m
Consider △ABF. = 15.8 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
BF
sin ∠BAF = (c) In right-angled triangle ABE,
AB
BF = AB sin ∠BAF AE
tan ∠B =
= 7 sin 20° m BE
15 cm
∴ Height of C from the ground =
= BE + BF 5 cm
∴ ∠B = 71.6° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= (4 cos 20° + 7 sin 20°) m
= 6.15 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

109
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

In △ARP,
11.
PR
tan ∠PAR =
AR
PR = AR tan ∠PAR
= 3.5 tan 60° cm
∵ ARQD is a rectangle.
∴ QD = AR = 3.5 cm and QR = DA = 7 cm
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from A to BC and F the PQ = QR – PR
foot of perpendicular from D to BC. = DA – PR
Consider right-angled triangle DFC. = (7 – 3.5 tan 60°) cm
CF In △DPQ,
cos ∠DCF =
CD DP 2 = DQ 2 + PQ 2 (Pyth. theorem)
CF = CD cos ∠DCF
DP = 3.52 + (7 − 3.5 tan 60°)2 cm
= 3 cos 43° cm
DF = 3.62 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
sin ∠DCF =
DC
DF = DC sin ∠DCF 13. AB + BC =
28
cm
= 3 sin 43° cm 2
Consider right-angled triangle ABE. AB = 14 cm − BC
AE = DF = 3 sin 43°cm (property of rectangle) In right-angled triangle ABC,
and EF = AD = 1.5 cm (property of rectangle) AB
tan 32° =
AE BC
tan ∠ABE =
BE 14 cm − BC
tan 32° =
AE BC
BE =
tan ∠ABE BC =
14
cm
3 sin 43° 1 + tan 32°
= cm
tan 62° = 8.62 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AE AD = BC
sin ∠ABE =
AB = 8.62 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AE
AB = AB = 14 cm − BC
sin ∠ABE
3 sin 43°  14 
= = 14 −  cm
sin 62°
cm  1 + tan 32° 
∴ Perimeter of trapezium ABCD = 5.38 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= AB + BC + CD + DA DC = AB
= AB + ( BE + EF + CF ) + CD + DA = 5.38 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
 3 sin 43°  3 sin 43°  
= + + 1.5 + 3 cos 43°  + 3 + 1.5 cm
 sin 62°  tan 62°  
14. With the notations in the figure,
consider △CDE.
= 11.6 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
CE
cos ∠DCE =
CD
12. CE = CD cos ∠DCE
= 50 cos 30° cm
DE
sin ∠DCE =
CD
DE = CD sin ∠DCE
= 50 sin 30° cm
= 25 cm
∵ ABCD is a kite with AB = AD and CB = CD.
∴ BE = DE
Construct a perpendicular line QR of AB passing through
P. = 25 cm
∵ PA = PB and PR ⊥ AB ∵ The total length of two bamboo canes is 124 cm.
∴ CE + DE + BE + AE = 124 cm
∴ AR = BR (prop. of isos. △)
AB 7 cm AE = (124 − 2 × 25 − 50 cos 30°) cm
i.e. AR = = = 3.5 cm ≈ 30.6987 cm
2 2
∵ △ABP is an equilateral triangle.
∴ ∠PAB = 60° (prop. of equil. △)

110
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

Consider △AED. Consider right-angled triangle AED.

AD = DE + AE (Pyth. theorem)
2 2 2
sin 40° =
DE
AD
AD ≈ 25 2 + (30.6987) 2 cm DE = AD sin 40°
≈ 39.5906 cm = 5 sin 40° m
AB = AD ≈ 39.5906 cm
≈ 3.2139 m
∴ Perimeter of kite ABCD
Consider right-angled triangle BCF.
= AB + AD + BC + CD
CF 2 + FB 2 = BC 2 (Pyth. theorem)
≈ (39.5906 + 39.5906 + 50 + 50) cm
= 179 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) FB = BC 2 − CF 2
= BC 2 − DE 2
= 102 − (5 sin 40°) 2 m
Revision Exercise 10 (p. 10.39)
≈ 9.4695 m
CF
Level 1 Gradient of BC =
1. Let θ be the inclination of the road. FB
1 3.2139
tan θ = ≈
2 9.4695
θ = 26.6° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) = 0.339 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The inclination of the road is 26.6°.
5.
2. Horizontal distance of the path
= 25 2 − 10 2 m (Pyth. theorem)
= 525 m
vertical distance
Gradient =
horizontal distance
10 m
=
525 m
With the notations in the figure,
= 0.436 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) consider right-angled triangle AEC.
AE
tan 35° =
3. (a) Vertical distance of PQ = (550 − 500) m EC
= 50 m AE = EC tan 35°
Since the scale of the map is 1 : 25 000, = DB tan 35°
horizontal distance of PQ = 1 × 25 000 cm
= 38 tan 35° m
= 250 m AB = AE + EB
50 m = AE + CD
Gradient of road PQ =
250 m
= (38 tan 35° + 26) m
1
= = 52.6 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
5

6. (a) In right-angled triangle ABC,

(b) Let θ be the inclination of road PQ. AB
Gradient of road PQ = tan θ tan 30° =
BC
1 AB
tan θ = BC =
5 tan 30°
θ = 11.3° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) 50
= m
The inclination of road PQ is 11.3°. 1
3
4. Gradient of AD = tan 40°
= 50 3 m
= 0.839 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The distance between B and C is 50 3 m .

(b) In right-angled triangle DBC,

DB
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from D to AB and F be tan ∠DCB =
BC
the foot of perpendicular from C to AB.
(50 + 50) m
=
50 3 m
∴ ∠DCB = 49.1° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The new angle of elevation of the balloon from
C is 49.1°.
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Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

7. 9. With the notations in the figure,

(a) ∠AQP = 360° − 328°
= 32°
∴ The compass bearing of P
from Q is N32°W.

With the notations in the figure,

consider right-angled triangle ACB.
(b) ∠BPQ + ∠AQP = 180° (int. ∠s, BP // AQ)
AC
tan 20° = ∠BPQ = 180° − 32°
BC
AC = BC tan 20° = 148°
∴ The true bearing of Q from P is 148°.
= 80 tan 20° m
Consider right-angled triangle BCD.
CD
tan 60° = 10.
BC
CD = BC tan 60°
= 80 tan 60° m
AD = AC + CD
= (80 tan 20° + 80 tan 60°) m
= 168 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The height of building A is 168 m.

8.

With the notations in the figure,

(a) ∠DAB = 90° − 32°
With the notations in the figure, = 58°
in right-angled triangle ABC, The compass bearing of B from A is N58°E.
∠ACB = ∠EAC (alt. ∠s, BD // AE )
= 66° (b) ∠CAB = 180° − ∠ACB − ∠CBA (∠ sum of △)
AB = 180° − 69° − 90°
tan 66° =
BC = 21°
AB ∠DAC = 90° − 21° − 32°
BC =
tan 66° = 37°
100 ∠ACF = ∠DAC (alt. ∠s, CF // DA)
= m
tan 66° = 37°
In right-angled triangle ABD, The compass bearing of A from C is S37°W.
∠ADB = ∠EAD (alt. ∠s, BD // AE )
= 29° (c) ∠HBA = ∠BAE (alt. ∠s, HB // AE )
AB = 32°
tan 29° =
BD Reflex ∠GBA = 270° − 32°
BD =
AB = 238°
tan 29° The true bearing of A from B is 238°.
100
= m
tan 29° (d) ∠DAC = 37° (from (b))
∴ CD = BD − BC The true bearing of C from A is 037°.
 100 100 
=  − m
 tan 29° tan 66° 
= 136 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The river is 136 m wide.

112
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

11. 14.

With the notations in the figure,

in △OAB,
Let D be the mid-point of BC. From the properties of
OA
tan θ = isosceles triangles, we know that AD ⊥ BC.
OB Consider right-angled triangle ABD.
200 m
= AD 2 + BD 2 = AB 2 (Pyth. theorem)
150 m
∴ θ = 53.1° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) AD = AB 2 − BD 2
∠CAB = ∠OBA (alt. ∠s, CA // BO) 6
2

= 8 2 −   cm
= 53.1° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) 2
The compass bearing of B from A is N53.1°W.
= 55 cm
12. AD 55
sin ∠B = =
AB 8
6
BD 3
cos ∠B = = 2 =
AB 8 8
AD 55 55
tan ∠B = = =
BD 6 3
2
With the notations in the figure,
∠FLB = ∠HBL = 70° (alt. ∠s, FL // BH )
15. (a)
∠ELA = ∠LAG = 20° (alt. ∠s, EL // AG )
∠ALB + ∠ELA + ∠FLB = 180° (adj. ∠s on st. line)
∠ALB = 180° − 70° − 20°
= 90°
In △ALB,
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from A to BC and
AB 2 = AL2 + LB 2 (Pyth. theorem) F be the foot of perpendicular from D to BC.
AB = AL2 + LB 2 ∵ ABCD is an isosceles trapezium.
BE = FC
= 642 + 77 2 km BE + EF + FC = 20 cm
= 100 km (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) BE + AD + BE = 20 cm
∴ The distance between A and B is 100 km.
2 BE = (20 − 8) cm
BE = 6 cm
13. Consider right-angled triangle ABE.
BE
cos 65° =
AB
BE
AB =
cos 65°
6
Let E be the mid-point of BC. From the properties of = cm
isosceles triangles, we have AE ⊥ BC. cos 65°
Consider right-angled triangle ABE. = 14.2 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
BE AE
cos 28° = tan 65° =
AB BE
BE = AB cos 28° AE = BE tan 65°
= 4 cos 28° m = 6 tan 65° cm
BC = 2 × BE
= 12.9 cm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= 2 × 4 cos 28° m The height of the trapezium is 12.9 cm.
= 7.06 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

113
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

(b) Area of trapezium ABCD In right-angled triangle BDE,

1 DE
= × ( AD + BC ) × AE tan ∠DBE =
2 EB
1 6 cm
= × (8 + 20) × 6 tan 65° cm 2 =
2 (10 − 28 ) cm
= 180 cm 2 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) ∴ ∠DBE = 51.9° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)

16. Level 2
18. (a) In right-angled triangle AED,
DE 2 + AE 2 = AD 2 (Pyth. theorem)
AE = AD 2 − DE 2
Let E be the foot of perpendicular from A to BC.
Consider right-angled triangle ABE. = 8 2 − 4.6 2 m

cos 60° =
BE = 42.84 m
AB DE
BE = AB cos 60° Gradient of AD =
AE
= 10 × 0.5 m 4.6 m
=
=5m 42.84 m
sin 60° =
AE = 0.703 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
AB
AE = AB sin 60°
(b)
= 10 sin 60° m
∵ DC = AE = 10 sin 60° m
AD = EC = BC − BE = (22 − 5) m = 17 m
Perimeter of ABCD
= AB + BC + CD + AD
= (10 + 22 + 10 sin 60° + 17) m
= (49 + 10 sin 60°) m
Total cost of the fence With the notations in the figure, CF = DE = 4.6 cm
= $(49 + 10 sin 60°) × 120 and EF = DC = 2.8 m.
CF
= $6919 (cor. to the nearest dollar) ∵ Gradient of BC =
BF
4 .6 m
17. (a) ∵ Area of ABCD = 60 cm 2 2=
BF
CD × DE = 60 cm 2 4 .6
BF = m
10 cm × DE = 60 cm 2 2
DE = 6 cm = 2.3 m
AB = AE + EF + FB
(b) In right-angled triangle DAE, = ( 42.84 + 2.8 + 2.3) m
DE = 11.6 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
sin ∠DAE =
AD
=
6 cm 19. (a) Vertical distance of AB = (350 − 300) m
8 cm = 50 m
∴ ∠DAE = 48.6° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) Since the scale of the map is 1 : 20 000,
horizontal distance of AB = 0.8 × 20 000 cm
(c) In △AED, = 16 000 cm
DE 2 + AE 2 = AD 2 (Pyth. theorem) = 160 m
Let θ be the inclination of AB.
AE = AD 2 − DE 2
Gradient of AB = tan θ
= 82 − 62 cm 50 m
tan θ =
= 28 cm 160 m
EB = AB − AE ∴ θ ≈ 17.3540°
= CD − AE = 17.4° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
= (10 − 28 ) cm ∴ The inclination of AB is 17.4°.
Vertical distance of BC = (350 − 250) m
= 100 m

114
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

Since the scale of the map is 1 : 20 000, TQ = TB − QB

horizontal distance of BC = 1.3 × 20 000 cm
 1000 250 
= 26 000 cm =  × tan35° − m
 17 17 
= 260 m
= 109 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
Let α be the inclination of BC.
Gradient of BC = tan α ∴ The height of the tower is 109 m.
100 m
tan α = 21.
260 m
∴ α ≈ 21.0375°
= 21.0° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The inclination of BC is 21.0°.

(b) Consider the path AB.

vertical distance With the notations in the figure,
sin θ =
distance travelled in △CDB,
50 m ∠CBD = ∠ECB (alt. ∠s, DA // CE )
sin 17.3540° ≈
distance travelled = 78°
distance travelled ≈ 167.6308 m CD
Consider the path BC. tan 78° =
DB
vertical distance
sin α = DB =
CD
distance travelled tan 78°
100 m In △CDA,
sin 21.0375° ≈
distance travelled ∠CAD = ∠ECA (alt. ∠s, DA // CE )
distance travelled ≈ 278.5679 m = 54°
∴ Total distance travelled CD
≈ (167.6308 + 278.5679) m tan 54° =
DA
= 446 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) CD
DA =
tan 54°
20. ∵ DA − DB = BA
CD CD
∴ − = 10 m
tan 54° tan 78°
 1 1 
CD −  = 10 m
 tan 54° tan 78° 
With the notations in the figure, CD = 19.5 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∵ gradient of PQ = 1 : 4 The height of building CD is 19.5 m.
QB 1
∴ =
PB 4 22.
PB = 4QB E
Consider △PBQ.
PQ 2 = PB 2 + QB 2 (Pyth. theorem)
PQ = (4QB) 2 + QB 2
Construct BE ⊥ AC.
250 m = 17 QB Consider △BMD.
250
QB = m tan ∠BMD =
BD
17 MD
PB = 4QB BD
MD =
250 tan ∠BMD
= 4× m
17 43
= m
1000 tan 32°
= m Consider △AMC.
17
AC
In right-angled triangle TPB, tan ∠AMC =
∠TPB = ∠ATP (alt. ∠s, PB // AT ) MC
= 35° AC
MC =
tan ∠AMC
TB
tan 35° = 65
PB = m
tan 44°
TB = PB tan 35°
1000
= × tan 35° m
17
115
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

BE = CD CD
tan 19° =
= MD + MC AD
 43 65  CD = AD tan 19°
= + m ∵ CD + BD = BC
 tan 32° tan 44° 
∴ AD tan 19° + AD tan 13° = 280 m
≈ 136.1239 m
AE = AC − EC AD(tan 19° + tan 13°) = 280 m
= AC − BD AD ≈ 486.7908 m
486.7908
= (65 − 43) m Time taken to reach BC ≈ s
4
= 22 m
= 122 s (cor. to the nearest second)
Consider △AEB.
∴ Boat A will reach BC after 122 s.
AB 2 = AE 2 + BE 2 (Pyth. theorem)
AB = AE 2 + BE 2 25. (a) Consider △BCS.
SB
≈ 22 2 + 136.12392 m tan 60° =
CB
= 138 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) SB = CB tan 60°
∴ The distance between A and B is 138 m.
= 25 tan 60° m
AB = SB − SA
23.
= (25 tan 60° − 33) m
= 10.3 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The distance between A and B is 10.3 m.

(b) Time taken for the man to swim from A to B

25 tan 60° − 33
= s
2
(a) As shown in the figure, the distance between the ship ≈ 5.15 s
and the lighthouse is the shortest when the ship is at Time taken for the shark to swim from S to B
T. 25 tan 60°
Consider right-angled triangle LST. = s
8
LT
sin 30° = ≈ 5.41 s
LS
∵ The man can reach point B first.
LT = LS sin 30°
∴ The man can escape from the shark.
= 100 sin 30° km
= 50 km 26. In right-angled triangle AOH,
The shortest distance between the ship and the 1
∠AOH = × ∠AOB (prop. of isos. △)
lighthouse is 50 km. 2
1 1
(b) Consider right-angled triangle LST. = × × 360°
2 8
ST
cos 30° = = 22.5°
LS
1
ST = LS cos 30° AH = × AB ( prop. of isos. △)
2
= 100 cos 30° km
1
Time needed to travel from S to T = × 80 mm
100 cos 30° 2
= hours = 40 mm
20
AH
≈ 4.3301 hours sin ∠AOH =
AO
= 4 hours 20 min (cor. to the nearest minute)
AH
The ship will be nearest to the lighthouse at AO =
sin ∠AOH
6:20 p.m.
40
= mm
24. With the notations in the figure, sin 22.5°
consider △ADB. Minimum diameter of the tree trunk needed
∠BAD = 90° − 77° = 13° = 2 × AO
BD 40
tan 13° = = 2× mm
AD sin 22.5°
BD = AD tan 13° = 209 mm (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
Consider △ACD.
∠CAD = 109° − 90° = 19°

116
 10 Applications of Trigonometry

27. In right-angled triangle BCF, (b) In △CMH,

BF ∠CHM = 90° − 48°
cos 30° =
BC = 42°
BF
BC = CM
tan 42° =
cos 30° HM
2.5 CM = HM tan 42°
= m
cos 30° = h × tan 42° km
= 2.89 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) In △AHM,
In right-angled triangle ADG, ∠MHA = 90° − 65°
AG = 25°
cos 45° =
AD AM
AG tan 25° =
AD = HM
cos 45° AM = HM tan 25°
2.5
= m = h × tan 25° km
cos 45°
From (a)(ii), AC = 5 km
= 3.54 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∵ CM + AM = AC
In right-angled triangle BFC,
∴ h × tan 42° + h × tan 25° = 5
FC
tan 30° = h (tan 42° + tan 25°) = 5
BF
h = 3.66 (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
FC = BF tan 30°
= 2.5 tan 30° m
In right-angled triangle ADG, 29. ∵ There is no information about ‘distance’.
GD ∴ We need the information about ‘distance’.
tan 45° = With the notations in the figure,
AG
GD = AG tan 45°
= 2.5 tan 45° m
= 2.5 m
CD = AB + BH − GD
= AB + FC − GD
= (1.7 + 2.5 tan 30° − 2.5) m if we know the length of BC (or AB), we can apply
trigonometry on △ABC and △AED to find the height CD.
= 0.643 m (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
∴ The information he needed is the distance between
the tree and the building (or the distance between
28. (a) John’s eye level and the ground).

30.

(i) With the notations in the figure,

BC
tan ∠CAB =
AB
3 km
=
4 km
∴ ∠CAB ≈ 36.8699°
∠DAC = 90° − ∠CAB With the notations in the figure,
≈ 90° − 36.8699° ∠SPQ = 180° − 70° − 90° (∠ sum of △)
= 53.1° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.) = 20°
The compass bearing of C from A is Consider right-angled triangle PRQ.
RQ
N53.1°E. sin 20° =
PQ
(ii) AC 2 = AB 2 + BC 2 (Pyth. theorem) RQ = PQ sin 20°
= 1 × sin 20° m
AC = AB 2 + BC 2
= sin 20° m
= 4 2 + 3 2 km Consider right-angled triangle RSQ.
= 5 km RQ
sin ∠RSQ =
The distance between A and C is 5 km. SQ
sin 20° m
=
0.8 m
∴ ∠RSQ ≈ 25.3106°

117
Math in Action (2nd Edition) 3B Full Solutions

∠QST = 70° − ∠RSQ

≈ 70° − 25.3106°
= 44.7° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The steep road makes 44.7° with the horizontal.

Challenging Question (p. 10.44)

With the notations in the figure,

∠CBE = ∠DCB (alt. ∠s, BE // DC )
= 40°
Let AB = x.
∵ AB : BC = 2 : 3
∴ AB = 2
BC 3
3
BC = x
2
Consider right-angled triangle BEC.
CE
sin 40° =
BC
CE = BC sin 40°
3 x sin 40°
=
2
BE
cos 40° =
BC
BE = BC cos 40°
3 x cos 40°
=
2
Consider right-angled triangle AFB.
BF
sin 25° =
AB
BF = AB sin 25°
= x sin 25°
AF
cos 25° =
AB
AF = AB cos 25°
= x cos 25°
Consider right-angled triangle AGC.
CG
tan ∠CAG =
AG
CE + EG
=
AF + FG
CE + BF
=
AF + BE
3x sin 40°
+ x sin 25°
= 2
3 x cos 40°
x cos 25° +
2
3 sin 40°
+ sin 25°
= 2
3 cos 40°
cos 25° +
2
∠CAG = 34.0° (cor. to 3 sig. fig.)
The angle of elevation of C from A is 34.0°.

118