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CBSE Class 10 Maths Chapter 9 Some Applications of Trigonometry Revision Notes

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39 views5 pages

CBSE Class 10 Maths Chapter 9 Some Applications of Trigonometry Revision Notes

Uploaded by

2012 Ashwin Kumar R
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Heights and Distances

Trigonometry is the study of the relationship between the length of


sides and angles of a triangle. A triangle is a closed shape consisting
of three sides. The relation between the heights and distances of
objects can be understood using trigonometry. We will learn about the
same in this topic.

Trigonometry

Trigonometry has found its importance in multiple fields. It has found


its applications in the fields ranging from Engineering to Architecture
to Astronomy as well. Trigonometry can be used in these fields by to
measure distances and angles by assuming lines that connect the
points.

Heights and Distances

Height is the measurement of an object in the vertical direction and


distance is the measurement of an object from a particular point in the
horizontal direction. If we imagine a line connecting the point of
observation to the topmost point of the object then the horizontal line,
vertical line and the imaginary line will form a triangle.

Observe the figure. Consider the observer to be at point C. The height


of the object is shown by line AB. The distance of the object from the
observer is given by line BC. The object may or may not be
perpendicular to the ground. Line AC represents the Line of Sight
when the observer is observing the topmost point of the object. Angle
α represents the angle of elevation and Angle β represents the angle of
depression.
Using trigonometry, if we are provided with any of the two quantities
that may be a side or an angle, we can calculate all the rest of the
quantities. By the law of alternate angles, the angle of elevation and
angle of depression are consequently equal in magnitude (α = β). Tan
α is equal to the ratio of the height and distance.

You can be provided with any two of the following information:

● The distance of the object from the observer


● The height of the object
● Angle at which the observer views the topmost point of the
object (angle of elevation)
● The angle at which the observer views the object when the
observer is on top of a tower/building (angle of depression)

and you can calculate the rest. Here are some examples for you in the
following section.

Solved Examples for You on Heights & Distances


Question: 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 his/her eyes has
measure 45. What is the height of the tower?

A. 28.5 m
B. 30 m
C. 27 m
D. 1.5 m

Solution:

We can form the above figure by given data,

⟹BD=CE=1.5
In ​ΔABC,∠CBA=90º

⟹tan45º=AB/BC

⟹1=AB/28.5

⟹AB=28.5

Now, ​h=AB+BD=28.5+1.5=30

Hence, the height of the tower is ​30 m

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