Some Applications Of

Trigonometry
Heights and Distances
Horizontal Level and Line of Sight

Line of sight and horizontal level

Line of sight is the line drawn from the eye of the observer to the point on the object viewed
by the observer.

Horizontal level is the horizontal line through the eye of the observer.

Angle of elevation

The angle of elevation is relevant for objects above horizontal level.

It is the angle formed by the line of sight with the horizontal level.

Angle of elevation

Angle of depression

The angle of depression is relevant for objects below horizontal level.

It is the angle formed by the line of sight with the horizontal level.
 Angle of depression

Calculating Heights and Distances

To, calculate heights and distances, we can make use of trigonometric ratios.

Step 1: Draw a line diagram corresponding to the problem.

Step 2: Mark all known heights, distances and angles and denote unknown lengths by
variables.

Step 3: Use the values of various trigonometric ratios of the angles to obtain the unknown
lengths from the known lengths.

Be More Curious
Measuring the distances of Celestial bodies with the help of
trigonomety

Large distances can be measured by the parallax method. The parallax angle is half the
angle between two line of sights when an object is viewed from two different positions.
Knowing the parallax angle and the distance between the two positions, large distances can
be measured.
 CBSE Board Class 10 Maths Chapter 9- Applications of Trigonometry
Objective Questions

Applications of Trigonometry

1. A Technician has to repair a light on a pole of height 10 m. She needs to reach a point 1 m
below the top of the pole to undertake the repair work. What should be the length of the
ladder that she should use which, when inclined at an angle of 60∘ to the ground, would
enable her to reach the required position? Also, how far from the foot of the pole should
she place the foot of the ladder?

(A) m

(B) m

(C) m

(D) m

Answer: (D) m

Solution: The given situation is represented by the figure below

https://byjus.com
 DB - DC = CB

⇒BC=9msin60 °=BCAC⇒AC=BCsin60°=

∴height of ladder should be

2. A statue, 2 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.

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

https://byjus.com
Answer: (B)

Solution:

CD = 2m

Let BC = x

AB = x (using tan 45∘)

In ΔABD

BD = AB

We know CD = BD - BC = 2m

⇒x= , which is height.

https://byjus.com
 3. 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 60 m high, find the height of the building.

(A) 30m
(B) 40m
(C) 20m
(D) 10m

Answer: (C) 20m

Solution:

The given situation can be represented by figure above

∴tan60°=DC/BC⇒BC=DC/tan60°= 60/ = 20 m
tan30°=AB/BC

⇒AB=BC×tan30°=20 × (1/ ) = 20m

Thus, height of building is 20m

4. A TV tower stands vertically on a bank of a canal, with a height of m . 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 on the line joining this point to the foot of the tower,
the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is 30°. Find the distance between the
opposite bank of the canal and the point with 30° angle of elevation.

https://byjus.com
 (A) 30m
(B) 20m
(C) 45m
(D) 35m

Answer: (B) 20m

Solution:

The above figure represents the situation given in the question

tan60°=AB/ BC

⇒AB=BCtan60°= ……….(1)

⇒BC=AB/tan60°=AB/ tan60°
tan30°=AB/BD=AB/ (CD+BC)

⇒DC+BC=AB/tan30°=AB

⇒DC=AB
⇒DC=20m, which is the required distance.

5. As observed from the top of a 150 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.

https://byjus.com
 (A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer: (B)

Solution:

Here Lighthouse BC = 150 m

In ΔBDC,

BD = BC = 150m (using tan 45°)

In ΔABC,

AB = BC (using tan 30°)

AB= 150

Hence distance AD =

6. An observer m tall is 3 m away from the pole high. What is the angle of
elevation of the top?

https://byjus.com
 (A) 60°
(B) 30°
(C) 45°
(D) 90°

Answer: (B) 30°

Solution:
Concept: 1 Mark
Application: 1 Mark

Height of the pole that is above man's height =

Hence, AB =

BC = 3m

Hence, tan C = AB/BC =

⟹ C, angle of elevation = 30°

Introduction

7. 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.

(A)

(B)
(C)

https://byjus.com
 (D)

Answer: (C)

Solution: In ΔABC, taking tangent of ∠C, we have,

tan C=AB/BC

⇒tan 30°=h/30

⇒ = h/30

=10(1.732)

=17.32m= m

Hence, the height of the tower is metres

https://byjus.com
8. An observer 1.5 m tall is 28.5 m away from a tower. The angle of elevation of the top of
the tower from her eyes is 45°. What is the height of the tower?

(A) 20m
(B) 10m
(C) 40m
(D) 30m

Answer: (D) 30m

Solution: Let AB be the tower of height h and CD be the observer of height 1.5 m at a
distance of 28.5 m from the tower AB.

In ΔAED, we have

tan45°=h/28.5

⇒1=h/28.5

⇒h=28.5 m

∴h=AE+BE=AE+DC

= (28.5+1.5) m=30 m

Height of tower = h + 1.5

= 28.5 + 1.5

https://byjus.com
 = 30 m

Hence, the height of the tower is 30 m.

9. An electrician has to repair an electric fault on a pole of height 4 m. He needs to reach a

point 1.3 m below the top of the pole to undertake the repair work. What should be the
length of the ladder that he should use which when inclined at an angle of 60° to the
horizontal would enable him to reach the required position?

(A)

(B)

(C)

(D)

Answer: (A)

Solution: Let AC be the electric pole of height 4 m. Let B be a point 1.3 m below the top A
of the pole AC.

Then, BC = AC - AB = (4 - 1.3) m = 2.7 m

Let BD be the ladder inclined at an angle of 60° to the horizontal.

https://byjus.com
In ΔBCD, we have

sin60°=2.7/L

Hence, the length of the ladder should be m.

https://byjus.com
 10. 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°.

(A) 10m
(B) 15m
(C) 20m
(D) 35m

Answer: (A) 10m

Solution: Let AB be the vertical pole and CA be the 20 m long rope such that its one end
is tied from the top of the vertical pole AB and the other end C is tied to a point C on the
ground.

In ΔABC, we have

sin 30°=h/20

⇒1/2=h/20

⇒h=10 m

Hence, the height of the pole is 10 m.

Heights and Distances

11. An observer 2.25 m tall is 42.75 m away from a chimney. The angle of elevation of the top
of the chimney from her eyes is 45°. What is the height of the chimney?

https://byjus.com
(A) 40m
(B) 50m
(C) 45m
(D) 35m

Answer: (C) 45m

Solution:

The given situation is represented by the figure above:

In triangle ABE,
tan45°=AB/ EB

Also, EB=DC

∴tan45°=AB/ DC

⇒AB=DC × tan 45°

⇒AB=1×42.75

Hence, the height of the chimney = AC = AB + BC

We can observe that BC = ED.
Thus, AC = AB + ED
= 42.75 + 2.25
= 45 m.

https://byjus.com
12. A tower stands vertically on the ground. From a point on the ground, which is 30 m away
from the foot of the tower, the angle of elevation of the top of the tower is found to
be 30°. Find the height of the tower.

(A) 10m

(B) m

(C) 30 m
(D) 30m

Answer: (B) m

Solution: The given situation can be represented by the Δ below

Now, tan30°=AB/ BC

∴Height of tower is m.

13. The angles of depression of the top and the bottom of a 10 m tall building from the top of
a multi-storeyed building are 30° and 45°, respectively. Find the height of the multi-
storeyed building.

https://byjus.com
(A) 5m

(B)
(C) 15m
(D) 10m

Answer: (B)

Solution:

The above figure represents the situation aptly

ED is the height of the building.

https://byjus.com
14. 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 2m and is
inclined at an angle of 30° to the ground. What should be the length of the slide?

(A) 4
(B) 2
(C) 1.5
(D) 3

Answer: (A) 4

Solution: The given situation can be represented by the figure below

In right-angled triangle ABC,

sin∠ABC=AC/AB=1/2

⇒sin30°=2/AB⇒AB= 2/ (1/2)

⇒AB=4m

∴Length of the slide is 4m.

15. A kite is flying at a height of 30 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.

(A) m
(B) 30m

https://byjus.com
 (C) m
(D) 60m

Answer: (A)

Solution: The situation can be represented by the figure below:

In the given right-angled triangle:

sin (∠ACB) =AB/AC
⇒sin60°=AB/AC

⇒AC=AB/sin60°=

∴ Length of the string is m

16. A vertical pole of 30 m is fixed on a tower. From a point on the level ground, the angles of
elevation of the top and bottom of the pole is 60° and 45°. Find the height of the tower.

(A) 20

(B)

(C)
(D) 15

Answer: (B)

https://byjus.com
Solution:

The situation can be represented by the figure above

17. The value of tan A +sin A=M and tan A – sin A=N.

The value of (M2−N2) / (MN) 0.5

(A) 4
(B) 3
(C) 2
(D) 1

Answer: (A) 4

Solution: M2-N2 = (Tan A+ Sin A + Tan A –Sin A) (Tan A +Sin A – Tan A+ Sin A)

M2-N2 =4 tan A sin A

and (MN) 0.5 = (tan2A−sin2A) 0.5

https://byjus.com
18. Two towers A and B are standing at some distance apart. From the top of tower A, the
angle of depression of the foot of tower B is found to be 30°. From the top of tower B, the
angle of depression of the foot of tower A is found to be 60°. If the height of tower B is ‘h’
m then the height of tower A in terms of ‘h’ is _____ m

(A) h/2 m
(B) h/3m

(C) m

(D)

Answer: (B) h/3 m

Solution:

Let the height of tower A be = AB = H.

And the height of tower B = CD = h

In triangle ABC

https://byjus.com
 tan30° = AB/AC = H/AC .................................. 1

In triangle ADC

tan60° = CD/AC = h/AC........................................2

Divide 1 by 2

We get tan30°/tan60° = H/h

H= h/3

19. A 1.5 m tall boy is standing at some distance from a 31.5 m tall building. If he walks ’d’ m
towards the building the angle of elevation of the top of the building changes

from 30° to 60°. Find the length d. (Take )

(A) 30.15 m
(B) 38.33m
(C) 22.91m
(D) 34.55m

Answer: (D) 34.55m

Solution:

The above figure represents the situation given in question

https://byjus.com
 Similarly,

Subtracting eq (1) from (2)

∴distance moved by boy is 34.55 m

20. The angles of depression of two objects from the top of a 100 m hill lying to its east are

found to be 45° and 30°. Find the distance between the two objects. (Take, )

(A) 200m
(B) 150m
(C) 107.5m
(D) 73.2m

Answer: (D) 73.2 m

Solution: Let C and D be the objects and CD be the distance between the objects.

https://byjus.com
 In ΔABC, tan 45° = AB/AC

AB=AC=100 m

In ΔABD, tan 30° = AB/AD

CD=AD−AC=173.2−100=73.2 metres

https://byjus.com
 POST CLASS NOTES

Some Applications of
Trigonometry
Topics
1. Basic Terminologies

θ
 2. Assumptions Made
While Solving
C

°
A B
C

A B
C

A B

45o
A B
 3. Trigonometric Ratios of
Some Common Angles

Angles
Logic 0° 30° 45° 60° 90°
Ratios

1 1 3
sinθ sinθ 0 1
2 2 2
Reverse 3 1 1
cosθ 1 0
sinθ 2 2 2

sinθ 1 Not
tanθ 0 1 3
cosθ 3 defined

1 Not 2
cosecθ 2 2 1
sinθ defined 3

1 2 Not
secθ 1 2 2
cosθ 3 defined

1 Not 1
cotθ 3 1 0
tanθ defined 3
 4. Method of Solving Questions
A

D 45o E

C B
A

45o

AB = ? D
28.5 m E

AE AB = (28.5 + 1.5) m = 30 m.
tan 45o =
DE

AE
1 =
28.5

AE = 28.5 m
Mind Map
 Practice Challenge - Objective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Some Applications of
Trignometry Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1.
The value of cos 30 is ∘

A.
1

B. √3

√3
C. 2

D. √2

2.
The height of a tree is 10√3 m, if a boy looks at the top of the tree with an
angle of elevation of 30 , find the distance between the boy and the tree.
∘

A. 10 m

B. 10√3 m

C. 30 m

D. 20 m

3.
The shadow of a tower standing on a level ground is found to be 60 m
longer when the Sun’s altitude is 30 than when it is 60 . Find the height of
∘ ∘

the tower.

A. 30 m

B. 20 m

C. 30√3 m

D. 20√3 m
Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

4.
The angles of depression of the top and the bottom of a 10 m tall
building from the top of a multi-storeyed building are 30 and 45 ,
∘ ∘

respectively. Find the height of the multi-storeyed building.

A. 10 m

B. 15 m

C. 5(√3 + 3) m

D. 5m

5.
The value of tan58 ∘ ∘
tan32 tan57
∘ ∘
tan33 is

A. 0

B. 1

C. 2

D. 3

6.
From the top of a lighthouse H m tall, a person observes the angle of
depression of a boat to be 60 . Another person who is m from the top of a
∘ H

lighthouse observes the angle of depression of another boat directly behind

the first boat to be 45 . Find the distance between the two boats.
∘

(Take √3 = 1.7)

A.
H

10

B. H

3
(2 − √3)

C. 0.6 H

D. 1.7H

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

7.
The tops of two poles of height 14 m and 20 m are connected by a wire
which makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal. What is the length of the
wire?

A. 6m

B. 10 m

C. 8m

D. 12 m

8. The ratio of the length of a rod and its shadow is 1 : √3. The angle of
elevation of the sun is _________ .

A. ∘
30

B. ∘
45

C. ∘
60

D. ∘
90

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

9.
In the given figure, ABC is an isosceles right angle triangle, right angled at
B. The ratio of the sides AB: BC : AC is _________.

A. 1 : 1 : √2

B. √2 : 1 : 1

C. √3 : 2 : 1

D. 1 : 2 : √3

10. What is the line drawn from the eye of the observer to the the object viewed
by the observer?

A. Line of sight

B. Vertical line

C. Transversal line

D. Horizontal line

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Some Applications of
Trignometry Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1.
The value of cos 30 is ∘

A.
1

 2

 B. √3

√3

 C. 2

 D. √2

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

Consider an equilateral ΔABC with sides of 2 units as shown in fig. Let

there be a perpendicular dropped from A to side BC cuttng BC at D.
Now, in ΔABD andΔACD:
AD is common
AB = AC (sides of an equilateral ΔABC )
and ∠ADC = ∠ADB = 90 ∘

∴ ΔABD ≅ ΔACD (RH S congruency)

⇒ ∠BAD = ∠CAD (corresponding angles of congruent Δs)

∘
⇒ ∠BAD + ∠CAD = ∠BAC = 60
∘
⇒ ∠BAD = ∠CAD = 30
1
and BD = DC = BC = 1
2

I n ΔABD,

2 2 2
AB = AD + BD

2 2 2
⇒ 2 = 1 + AD

⇒ AD = √3

√3
∘ AD
cos(∠BAD) = cos30 = =
BA 2

∘ BD 1
Also, cos(∠ABD) = cos60 = =
AB 2

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

2.
The height of a tree is 10√3 m, if a boy looks at the top of the tree with an
angle of elevation of 30 , find the distance between the boy and the tree.
∘

 A. 10 m

 B. 10√3 m

 C. 30 m

 D. 20 m

The given figure illustrates the scenario mentioned in the question :

Given, the tree is having a height of 10√3 m.

So, AB = 10√3 m.

In Triangle ABC,
∘ AB 1
tan 30 = =
BC √3

⇒ BC = 10√3 × √3

⇒ BC = 30 m.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

3.
The shadow of a tower standing on a level ground is found to be 60 m
longer when the Sun’s altitude is 30 than when it is 60 . Find the height of
∘ ∘

the tower.

 A. 30 m

 B. 20 m

 C. 30√3 m

 D. 20√3 m

The given situation is represented aptly by the figure below

∘ DC DC
tan30 = =
AC AB+BC

DC
⇒ (AB + BC) = ∘
… … (1)
tan30

∘ DC
Also, tan60 =
BC

DC
⇒ BC = ∘
… … (2)
tan60

Subtracting eq(2) from (1)

DC DC
AB = ∘
− ∘
tan30 tan60

1
⇒ 60 = DC (√3 − ) ⇒ DC = 30√3m
√3

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

4.
The angles of depression of the top and the bottom of a 10 m tall
building from the top of a multi-storeyed building are 30 and 45 , ∘ ∘

respectively. Find the height of the multi-storeyed building.

 A. 10 m

 B. 15 m

 C. 5(√3 + 3) m

 D. 5m

The above figure represents the situation aptly

∠CBE = ∠BEF and ∠DAE = ∠AEF (alternate angles)

∘ ED EC+CD
tan(∠EAD) = tan45 = =
AD AD

∘
⇒ AD × tan45 = EC + CD … … (1)

∘ EC
and tan(∠EBC) = tan30 =
CB

∘
⇒ CB × tan30 = EC … … (2)

Subtracting eq(2) from (1)

∘ ∘
⇒ AD × tan45 − CB × tan30 = CD
∘ ∘
⇒ AD(tan45 − tan30 ) = CD (∵ AD = CB)

1
⇒ AD (1 − ) = 10
√3

⇒ AD = 5(3 + √3)m

∘
⇒ ED = AD(tan45 = 1)

ED is the height of the building.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

5.
The value of tan58 ∘
tan32
∘ ∘
tan57
∘
tan33 is

 A. 0

 B. 1

 C. 2

 D. 3

tan32
∘
= tan(90
∘
− 58
∘
)
∘
= cot58

tan33
∘
= tan(90
∘
− 57
∘
)
∘
= cot57

Therefore,
∘ ∘ ∘ ∘
tan58 tan32 tan57 tan33

= tan58 ∘
cot58
∘
tan57
∘
cot57
∘

= tan58 ∘ 1

tan58
tan57
∘
∘

tan57
1
∘

[since cot A= ]
1

tanA

=1

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

6.
From the top of a lighthouse H m tall, a person observes the angle of
depression of a boat to be 60 . Another person who is m from the top of a
∘ H

lighthouse observes the angle of depression of another boat directly behind

the first boat to be 45 . Find the distance between the two boats.
∘

(Take √3 = 1.7)

A.
H

 10

 B. H

3
(2 − √3)

 C. 0.6 H

 D. 1.7H

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

∠QAD = ∠ADC (alternate angles)

∘ AC H
∴ tan60 = =
CD CD

H H
⇒ CD = ∘
= … … (1)
tan60 √3

H 2H
H−
∘ BC AC−AB 3 3
also tan45 = = = =
CE CD+DE CD+DE CD+DE

2H
⇒ CD + DE = … … (2)
3

Subtracting (1) f rom (2)

2H H
DE = −
3 √3

2H −H √3
=
3

H
= (2 − √3)
3

H
∴ distance between boats is (2 − √3)
3

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

7.
The tops of two poles of height 14 m and 20 m are connected by a wire
which makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal. What is the length of the
wire?

 A. 6m

 B. 10 m

 C. 8m

 D. 12 m

In triangle ABC,
BC = y = 20 - 14 = 6m

Let AB = x

⇒ sin 30
∘
= BC

AB

⇒
1

2
= 6

⇒ x = 12

Thus, the length of the string is 12 m.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

8. The ratio of the length of a rod and its shadow is 1 : √3. The angle of
elevation of the sun is _________ .

 A. 30
∘

 B. 45
∘

 C. 60
∘

 D. 90
∘

In right triangle ABC,

BC 1
tanA = =
AB √3
∘
⇒ A = 30

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

9.
In the given figure, ABC is an isosceles right angle triangle, right angled at
B. The ratio of the sides AB: BC : AC is _________.

 A. 1 : 1 : √2

 B. √2 : 1 : 1

 C. √3 : 2 : 1

 D. 1 : 2 : √3

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

Let us assume the length of side AB of the triangle to be x units.

Applying trignometric ratios to the sides, we get :
∘ x
sin 45 = ( )
AC

1 x
⇒ = ( )
√2 AC

⇒ AC = x√2 . . . (i)

Similarly,

∘ x
tan 45 = ( )
BC

x
⇒ 1 = ( )
BC

⇒ BC = x . . . (ii)

So, the ratios of the sides of the triangle with angles

∘ ∘ ∘
45 , 45 & 90 = x : BC : AC

= x : x : x√2(f rom (i)&(ii))

= 1 : 1 : √2

An alternate and shortcut method of solving this question is:

For the given triangle, as two angles are equal; the two sides opposite to
these angles will also be equal.
And as the third angle is 90 , the triangle is right - angled triangle.
∘

Let us assume the length of the equal sides is equal to x units.

So, length of the hypotenuse = √(x + x ) = x√2 2 2

So, Ratio of the sides of the triangle = x : x : x√2

⇒ Ratio of the sides of the triangle = 1 : 1 : √2

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Objective

10. What is the line drawn from the eye of the observer to the the object viewed
by the observer?

 A. Line of sight

 B. Vertical line

 C. Transversal line

 D. Horizontal line
The line drawn from the eye of an observer to a point on the object viewed
is called as line of sight.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Some Applications of
Trignometry Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1.
Two poles are erected from the ground. The length of the longer pole is
10m. If the distance between the tips of the poles is 6m, and the angle of
elevation of the tip of the longer pole from that of the shorter pole is 30 , find
∘

the length of the second pole.

2. 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 . ∘

3. 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.

4. 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.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

5. 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 . Find the height of the tower and the width of the canal.
∘

6. 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.

7. A window of a house is h m above the ground. Form the window, the angles
of elevation and depression of the top and the bottom of another house
situated on the opposite side of the lane are found to be α and β,
respectively. Prove that the height of the other house is h(1 + tan α cot β)m
.

8. 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 . Find the distance travelled by the balloon during

∘

the interval.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

Subject: Mathematics
Topic : Some Applications of
Trignometry Exam Prep 1 Class: X

1.
Two poles are erected from the ground. The length of the longer pole is
10m. If the distance between the tips of the poles is 6m, and the angle of
elevation of the tip of the longer pole from that of the shorter pole is 30 , find
∘

the length of the second pole.

Refer to the following figure:

AB is the longer pole of length 10m. ED is the shorter pole. Let the lengths
be broken down as shown.

In ΔABE, sin30 ∘
⇒ x=3

Since x + y = 10 and x = 3, y = 7m.

Observe that BC = y = ED = length of the shorter pole = 7m.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

2. 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 .∘

Let AB be the vertical pole and AC be 20 m long rope tied to point C.

In right ΔABC ,

∘ AB
sin30 =
AC
1 AB
⇒ =
2 20
20
⇒ AB =
2

⇒ AB = 10
Thus, the height of the pole is 10 m.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

3. 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.
Let AC be the broken part of the tree.
∴Total height of the tree = AB + AC

In right ΔABC ,
cos 30 = ∘ BC

AC

√3 8
⇒ =
2 AC

16
⇒ AC =
√3

Also, tan30 ∘
=
AB

BC
1 AB
⇒ =
8
√3

8
⇒ AB =
√3

Therefore, the total height of the tree = AB + AC =

8
+
16
=
24
= 8√3 m.
√3 √3 √3

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

4. 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.

Let the boy initially stands at point

Y with inclination 30 and then he approaches the building to the point X

∘

with inclination 60 . ∘

∴ XY is the distance he walked towards the building.

Also, XY = CD
Height of the building = AZ = 30 m
AB = AZ − BZ = (30 − 1.5) = 28.5m

As per the question,

In right ΔABD,
tan 30 = ∘ AB

BD
1 28.5
⇒ =
√3 BD

⇒ BD = 28.5√3m

Also,
In right ΔABC ,
tan 60 = ∘ AB

BC
28.5
⇒ √3 =
BC

28.5√3
⇒ BC =
28.5
=
3
m
√3

∴ XY = CD = BD − BC

28.5√3
= (28.5√3 − )
3

1
= 28.5√3(1 − )
3

2
= 28.5√3 ×
3

57
=
√3

= 19√3 m

Thus, the distance boy walked towards the building is m.

19

√3

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

5. 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 . Find the height of the tower and the width of the canal.
∘

Here, AB is the height of the tower and BC is the width of canal.

CD = 20 m
As per question,
In right ΔABD,
tan 30 = ∘ AB

BD
1 AB
⇒ =
√3 (20+BC)

(20+BC)
⇒ AB = . . . (i)
√3

Also,
In right ΔABC,
tan 60 = ∘ AB

BC
AB
⇒ √3 =
BC

⇒ AB = √3BC. . . (ii)

From equation (i) and (ii)

(20+BC)
AB = √3BC =
√3

⇒ 3BC = 20 + BC
⇒ 2BC = 20 ⇒ BC = 10m
Putting the value of BC in equation (ii)
AB = 10√3m

Thus, the height of the tower is 10√3 m and the width of the canal is 10 m.

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

6. 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.

Let AB be the building of height 7 m and EC be the height of tower.
A is the point from where elevation of tower is 60 and the angle of
∘

depression of its foot is 45 . ∘

EC = DE + CD

Also, CD = AB = 7m and BC = AD

According to question,
In right ΔABC,
tan 45 = ∘ AB

BC
7
⇒ 1 =
BC

⇒ BC = 7m = AD
Also,
In right ΔADE,
tan 60 = ∘ DE

AD
DE
⇒ √3 =
7

⇒ DE = 7√3m

Height of the tower = EC = DE + CD = (7√3 + 7)m = 7(√3 + 1)m

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

7. A window of a house is h m above the ground. Form the window, the angles
of elevation and depression of the top and the bottom of another house
situated on the opposite side of the lane are found to be α and β,
respectively. Prove that the height of the other house is h(1 + tan α cot β)m
.
Let the height of the other house = OQ = H

And, OB = MW = x m

Given that, height of the first house = WB = h = MO

And ∠QW M = α, ∠OW M = β = ∠W OB

[alternate angle]

Now, in ΔW OB, tan β = WB

OB
=
h

x
(window)

h
⇒ x = … … (i)
tan β

QM OQ−M O
And in ΔQW M , tan α = WM
=
WM

H −h
⇒ tan α =
x

...(ii)
H −h
⇒ x =
tan α

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

From Eq. (i) and (ii),

h H −h
=
tan β tan α

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective
⇒ h tan α = (H − h)tan β

⇒ h tan α = H tan β − h tan β

⇒ H tan β = h(tan α + tan β)

tan α+tan β
∴ H = h( )
tan β

1 1
= h (1 + tan α. ) = h(1 + tan α. cot β) [∵ cot θ = ]
tan β tan θ

Hence, the required height of the other house is h(1 + tan α. cot β)

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1
 Practice Challenge - Subjective

8. 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 . Find the distance travelled by the balloon during

∘

the interval.
Let the initial position of the balloon be A and final position be B.
Height of balloon above the girl height = 88.2m − 1.2m = 87m
Distance travelled by the balloon = DE = CE − CD
As per question,

In right ΔBEC,

tan 30 ∘
=
BE

CE
1 87
⇒ =
√3 CE

⇒ CE = 87√3m

Also,
In right ΔADC,
tan 60 = ∘ AD

CD
87
⇒ √3 =
CD
87
⇒ CD = m = 29√3m
√3

Distance travelled by the balloon

= DE = CE − CD = (87√3 − 29√3)m = 29√3(3 − 1)m =100.45 m

Copyright © Think and Learn Pvt. Ltd. Some Applications of Trignometry Exam Prep 1