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Question : Two posts are $x$ metres apart and the height of one is double that of the other. If, from the midpoint of the line joining their feet, an observer finds the angular elevation of their tops to be complementary, then the height (in metres) of the shorter posts is:

Option 1: $\frac{x}{2\sqrt{2}}$

Option 2: $\frac{x}{4}$

Option 3: $x\sqrt{2}$

Option 4: $\frac{x}{\sqrt{2}}$


Team Careers360 4th Jan, 2024
Answer (1)
Team Careers360 19th Jan, 2024

Correct Answer: $\frac{x}{2\sqrt{2}}$


Solution :
Let BD be the distance between two posts is $x$ metres.
$\therefore$ OB = OD = $\frac{x}{2}$
From $\triangle$OCD
$\tan\theta$ = $\frac{CD}{OD}$
$\tan\theta$ = $\frac{h}{\frac{x}{2}}$= ${\frac{2h}{x}}$............(equation 1)
From $\triangle$OAB
$\tan(90–\theta)=\frac{AB}{OB}$
$\cot\theta$ = $\frac{2h}{\frac{x}{2}}$= ${\frac{4h}{x}}$............(equation 2)
Multiplying both equations, we get:
$\tan\theta×\cot\theta$ = ${\frac{2h}{x}}×{\frac{4h}{x}}$
⇒ 1 = $\frac{8h^2}{x^2}$
$\therefore h=\frac{x}{2\sqrt2}$
Hence, the correct answer is $\frac{x}{2\sqrt2}$.

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