Multiple choice

The angle of elevation of the top of two points at a distance of $9$ m and $16$ m from the base of the tower and in the same straight line in the same direction with it are complimentary. Then the height of the tower is

  1. $12$m
  2. $15$ m
  3. $20$ m
  4. $25$ m
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A Correct answer
Explanation

For complementary angles of elevation from distances a and b, the height of the tower is sqrt(a * b). Here, height = sqrt(9 * 16) = sqrt(144) = 12 m.

AI explanation

Let the height of the tower be h, and let the complementary angles of elevation from 9 m and 16 m be alpha and 90 degrees minus alpha respectively. Using the tangent function, we have tan alpha equals h divided by 9, and tan of 90 degrees minus alpha equals h divided by 16. Because tan of 90 degrees minus alpha is cot alpha, we get cot alpha equals h divided by 16. Multiplying the two equations gives tan alpha multiplied by cot alpha equals 1, which equals h squared divided by 144, meaning h squared is 144. Taking the positive square root gives the height of the tower as 12 m.