From a point on a bridge across a river, the angles of depression of the banks on opposite sides of the river are 30∘ and 45∘, respectively. If the width of the river is 12 m , find the height of the bridge.
6(√3 - 1) m
The situation can be represented by the figure below
∠PAD=∠ADC and ∠QAB=∠ABC (alternate angles)
tan∠ADC=ACDC=tan45∘
⇒BD=12cm Let the length of BC be x,then CD=12−x
⇒tan45∘=AC12−x
⇒AC=tan45∘(12−x)
Also tan∠ABC=ACBC
⇒tan∠ABC=ACBC
⇒AC=xtan30∘
⇒AC=x√3
⇒AC=CD Since tan 45 = 1
∴12−x=x√3
⇒x=6√3(√3−1)
∴AC=xtan30∘=6√3(√3−1)√3
∴AC=6(√3−1)
∴height of bridge is 6(√3−1)