Math Problem Statement

Akshat observes a tree on the opposite bank of a river. The angle of elevation from the bank to the top of the tree is 60°. After moving 30 meters away from the river, the angle of elevation reduces to 30°. Find the height of the tree and the width of the river.

Solution

To solve the questions presented in the image, we can apply trigonometry principles, specifically those involving angles of elevation.

Given Information:

  • Akshat observes a tree on the opposite bank of a river.
  • Initial angle of elevation: 60°.
  • After moving 30 meters away from the riverbank, the angle of elevation reduces to 30°.

Let’s Define the Variables:

  • Let hh be the height of the tree.
  • Let xx be the width of the river.

Step-by-step Solution:

  1. For the initial observation (60° angle of elevation):

Using the tangent of the angle of elevation:

tan(60)=hx\tan(60^\circ) = \frac{h}{x}

We know that:

tan(60)=3\tan(60^\circ) = \sqrt{3}

Thus, the equation becomes:

3=hx(Equation 1)\sqrt{3} = \frac{h}{x} \quad \text{(Equation 1)}

From this, we can express hh in terms of xx:

h=x3h = x\sqrt{3}

  1. For the second observation (30° angle of elevation after moving 30 meters back):

The distance from the observer to the tree is now x+30x + 30. Again using the tangent of the angle of elevation:

tan(30)=hx+30\tan(30^\circ) = \frac{h}{x + 30}

We know that:

tan(30)=13\tan(30^\circ) = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}

Thus, the equation becomes:

13=hx+30(Equation 2)\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{h}{x + 30} \quad \text{(Equation 2)}

  1. Solving the System of Equations:

From Equation 1, we know that h=x3h = x\sqrt{3}. Substituting this into Equation 2:

13=x3x+30\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} = \frac{x\sqrt{3}}{x + 30}

Multiplying both sides by 3\sqrt{3}:

1=3xx+301 = \frac{3x}{x + 30}

Cross-multiply to solve for xx:

x+30=3xx + 30 = 3x

2x=302x = 30

x=15metersx = 15 \, \text{meters}

So, the width of the river is 15 meters.

  1. Height of the Tree:

Using x=15x = 15 in Equation 1:

h=15325.98metersh = 15\sqrt{3} \approx 25.98 \, \text{meters}

Final Answers:

  1. Height of the tree: ~25.98 meters.
  2. Width of the river: 15 meters.

Would you like details on the remaining questions, or should I proceed further with the alternate scenario (Question 4)? Feel free to ask!


Here are 5 related questions to further your understanding:

  1. How does trigonometry help in measuring heights and distances?
  2. What are the key trigonometric ratios and their real-world applications?
  3. How can you use similar triangles to estimate distances in this scenario?
  4. Why does the angle of elevation change as the observer moves farther?
  5. How do we derive values like tan(60)\tan(60^\circ) and tan(30)\tan(30^\circ)?

Tip: Always double-check the units (meters, degrees) and conversions when solving word problems to avoid mistakes!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Angles of Elevation
Right Triangles

Formulas

tan(θ) = opposite/adjacent

Theorems

Trigonometric Ratios

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12