A line segment AB of length 10 meters is passing through the foot of the perpendicular of a pillar, which is standing at right angle to the ground. Top of the pillar subtends angles \(tan^{–1}\) 3 and \(tan^{–1} 2\) at A and B respectively. Which of the following choice represents the height of the pillar?
Step-by-step Solution:
Step 1: Define Variables
Let the height of the pillar be \( h \).
Let the foot of the pillar be \( O \).
Let \( A \) and \( B \) be two points on the ground such that \( AB = 10 \) meters.
Let \( OA = x \) and \( OB = 10 - x \).
From the given angles:
\[
\tan(\theta_A) = 3 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \frac{h}{x} = 3 \quad \Rightarrow \quad h = 3x
\]
\[
\tan(\theta_B) = 2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad \frac{h}{10-x} = 2 \quad \Rightarrow \quad h = 2(10 - x)
\]
Step 2: Solve for \( h \)
Equating the two expressions for \( h \):
\[
3x = 2(10 - x)
\]
\[
3x = 20 - 2x
\]
\[
3x + 2x = 20
\]
\[
5x = 20
\]
\[
x = 4
\]
Substituting \( x = 4 \) into \( h = 3x \):
\[
h = 3(4) = 12
\]
Step 3: Verify the Answer
Substituting \( h = 12 \) into the second equation:
\[
12 = 2(10 - 4)
\]
\[
12 = 12
\]
The equation holds, confirming that the height of the pillar is 12 meters.