Refer to the diagram shown below.
h = height of each building
x = Β distance from the left building
y = Β distance from the right building
Because the distance between the buildings is 500 feet, therefore
x + y = 500 Β Β (1)
By definition,
tan 45Β° = h/y = 1
y = h Β Β Β Β Β Β (2)
Also,
tan 30Β° = h/x = 1/β3
x = hβ3 Β Β Β Β (3)
Part (a)
If Alyosha and Ivan were halfway between the building, then x = y.
Because xΒ β y, they are not halfway between the buildings.
Part (b)
From (1), (2) and (3), obtain
h + hβ3 = 500
h(1+β3) = 500
2.732h = 500
h = 183.0 ft
Therefore
x = 183.0 ft
y = 500 - x = 317.0 ft
Answer:
Alyosha and Ivan are 183 feet from the left building, and 317 feet from the right building.