Question:medium

From top of view point at height of \(80\,\text{m}\), the angles of depression of the top and bottom of a flag standing on the same plane are observed to be \(30^\circ\) and \(45^\circ\). Find the height of the flag.

Show Hint

For angle of depression problems, first draw horizontal lines and remember that angle of depression equals angle of elevation. Then apply the tangent ratio: \[ \tan\theta=\frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{adjacent}}. \]
Updated On: Jun 11, 2026
  • \(40\sqrt3\)
  • \(\frac{80}{\sqrt3}\)
  • \(80\left(1-\frac1{\sqrt3}\right)\)
  • \(80(\sqrt3-1)\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Draw the line of sight.
The observer stands at height $80$ m. The angle of depression to an object equals the angle of elevation from that object back to the eye, so we can use ordinary right triangles.
Step 2: Use the bottom of the flag first.
The bottom of the flag sits on the ground. Its depression angle is $45^\circ$, so $\tan 45^\circ=\frac{80}{d}$ where $d$ is the horizontal distance. Since $\tan 45^\circ=1$, we get $d=80$ m.
Step 3: Set up for the top of the flag.
Let the flag have height $h$. The top is $80-h$ below the eye, at the same horizontal distance $80$.
Step 4: Use the top's angle.
The depression to the top is $30^\circ$, so $\tan 30^\circ=\frac{80-h}{80}$, and $\tan 30^\circ=\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}$.
Step 5: Solve for the vertical drop.
$80-h=\frac{80}{\sqrt 3}$.
Step 6: Isolate the flag height.
$h=80-\frac{80}{\sqrt 3}=80\left(1-\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}\right)$, matching option 3.
\[ \boxed{80\left(1-\frac{1}{\sqrt 3}\right)} \]
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