Angles of elevation of the top of a mast from two points on a straight path and the mast's height

Angles of elevation of the top of a mast from two points on a straight path and the mast's height

6 marks

A vertical radio mast of height \(h\) metres stands on level ground. A hiker walks along a straight horizontal path directly towards the foot of the mast.

From the point \(P\), the angle of elevation of the top of the mast is \(22^\circ\). The hiker walks \(85\) metres further to the point \(Q\), where the angle of elevation of the top of the mast is \(51^\circ\). The foot of the mast is \(F\), and \(QF=x\) metres.

  1. Find, in terms of \(h\) and \(x\), an expression for
    1. \(\tan51^\circ\);
    2. \(\tan22^\circ\).[2]
  2. Hence find \(x\).[2]
  3. Find \(h\).[2]

Solution:

Solution locked

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Answer:(a)(i) \(\tan51^\circ=\dfrac{h}{x}\) (a)(ii) \(\tan22^\circ=\dfrac{h}{x+85}\) (b) \(x=41.3\) (c) \(h=51.0\)

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