Question

The distance between the tops of two trees $20m$ and $28m$ high is $17m.$ The horizontal distance between the feet of the trees is

• A. 11 m
• B. 31 m
• C. 15 m
• D. 9 m

Answer 1

The correct option is C

15 m

Let AB and CD be two trees such that $AB=20m,CD=28m$ and $BD=17m$

Draw BE onto CD. Then, $ED=8m$

$\therefore BE=\sqrt{{BD}^2-{ED}^2}=\sqrt{{\left(17\right)}^2-8^2}=\sqrt{225}=15m$

$\therefore AC=BE=15m$