NDPEJ-1

Height and Distance

Answer
1. Two ships are sailing in the sea on the two sides of a lighthouse. The angle of
elevation of the top of the lighthouse is observed from the ships are 30° and
45° respectively. If the lighthouse is 100 m high, the distance between the two
ships is:
(a) 173 m (b) 200 m (c) 273 m (d) 300 m (c)

Explanation:
Let AB be the lighthouse and C and D be the positions of the ships.

Then, AB = 100m, ∠ACB = 30° and ∠ADB = 45°

AB 1
= tan 30∘ = ⇒ AC = AB × √3 = 100√3m
AC √3
AB
= tan 45∘ = 1 ⇒ AD = AB = 100m
AD
∴ CD = (AC + AD) = (100√3 + 100) = 100(√3 + 1) = 100(1.73 + 1) = 100 × 2.73 =
273m
2. A man standing at a point P is watching the top of a tower, which makes an
angle of elevation of 30º with the man's eye. The man walks some distance
towards the tower to watch its top and the angle of the elevation becomes 60º.
What is the distance between the base of the tower and the point P?
(a) 4√3 units (b) 8 units (c) 12 units (d) Data (d)
inadequate
Explanation:
One of AB, AD and CD must have given.

So, the data is inadequate.

General Aptitude -2 NDPEJ

3. The angle of elevation of a ladder leaning against a wall is 60º and the foot of
the ladder is 4.6 m away from the wall. The length of the ladder is:
(a) 2.3 m (b) 4.6 m (c) 7.8 m (d) 9.2 m (d)

Explanation:
Let AB be the wall and BC be the ladder.
Then, ∠ACB = 60°= AC = 4.6m
AC 1
= cos 60∘ =
BC 2
⇒ BC = 2 × AC = 2 × 4.6 = 9.2m
4. An observer 1.6 m tall is 20√3 away from a tower. The angle of elevation from
his eye to the top of the tower is 30º. The heights of the tower are:
(a) 21.6 m (b) 23.2 m (c) 24.72 m (d) none of these (a)
Explanation:
Let AB be the observer and CD be the tower.
Draw BE ⊥ CD
Then CE = AB = 1.6m
BE = AC = 20√3 m
DE 1 BE 20√3
= tan 30∘ = ⇒ DE = = = 20
BE √3 √3 √3
∴ CD = CE + DE = (1.6 + 20)m = 21.6m

5. From a point P on a level ground, the angle of elevation of the top tower is 30º.
If the tower is 100 m high, the distance of point P from the foot of the tower
is:
(a) 149 m (b) 156 m (c) 173 m (d) 200 m (c)
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower.
Then, ∠APB = 30°and AB = 100m
AB 1
= tan 30∘ = ⇒ AP = AB × √3 = 100 × √3
AP √3
⇒ AP = 100 × 1.73 = 173m

6. The angle of elevation of the sun, when the length of the shadow of a tree √3
times the height of the tree, is:
(a) 30º (b) 45º (c) 60º (d) 90º (a)
NDPEJ General Aptitude-3

Explanation:
Let AB be the tree and AC be its shadow.
Let ∠ACB = θ
AC
= cot θ = √3
AB
cot 30∘ = √3
∴ θ = 30°
7. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower from a certain point is 30°. If the
observed moves 20 m towards the tower, the angle of elevation the angle of
elevation of top of the tower increases by 15°. The height of the tower is
(a) 17.3 m (b) 21.9 m (c) 27.3 m (d) 30 m (c)
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and C and D be the points of observation.
Then, ∠ACB = 30º, ∠ADB = 45º and CD = 20m
Let AB = h then,
AB 1
= tan 30∘ = ⇒ AC = AB × √3 = h√3 And,
AC √3
AB
⇒ = tan 45∘ = 1 ⇒ AD = AB = h
AD
CD = 20
20 (√3 + 1)
⇒ (AC − AD) = 20 ⇒ h√3 − h = 20 ∴h= × = 10(√3 + 1)m
(√3 − 1) (√3 + 1)
= 10 × 2.73 = 27.3 m.
8. On the same side of tower, two objects are located. Observed from the top of
the tower, their angles of depression are 45° and 60°. If the height of the tower
is 150 m, the distance between the objects is-
(a) 63.5 m (b) 76.9 m (c) 86.7 m (d) 90 m (a)
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and C and D be the objects.
Then, AB = 150 m, ∠ACB = 45º and ∠ADB = 60º
AB ∘ AB 150
= tan 60 = √3 ⇒ AD = =
AD √3 √3
AB ∘
= tan 45 = 1 ⇒ AC = AB = 150m
AC
150 150(√3−1) √3
∴CD=(AC−AD)= (150 − ) m = [ × ] m = 50(3 − √3)m = 63.5m
√3 √3 √3

9. The angle of depression of a point situated at a distance of 70m from the base
of a tower is 60º. The height of the tower is-
(a) 35√3 (b) 70√3 (c) 75√3 (d) 70 (b)
General Aptitude -4 NDPEJ

Explanation:
Length of the tower AB = h meter.
∠DAC=∠ACB=60º
BC=70 meter
AB h
In △ABC, tan 60∘ = BC ⇒ √3 = 70 ⇒ h = 70√3 meter
10. A man on the top of a vertical observation tower observes a car moving at a
uniform speed coming directly towards it. If it takes 12 minutes for the angle
of depression to change from 30º to 45º, how soon after this will the car reach
the observation tower ?
(a) 14 min. 35 (b) 15 min. 49 (c) 16 min. 23 sec. (d) 18 min. 5 sec. (c)
sec. sec.
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and C and D be the two positions of the car.
Then, ∠ACB=45º,
∠ADB=30º
Let, AB = h, CD = x and AC = y
AB h
= tan 45∘ = 1 ⇒ y = 1 ⇒ y = h
AC
AB 1 h 1
= tan 30∘ = ⇒ = ⇒ x + y = √3h ∴ x = (x + y − y)
AD √3 x + y √3
= √3h − h = h(√3 − 1)
Now, h(√3 − 1) is covered in 12 min.
12 12 1200
So, h will be covered in, [h(√3−1) × h] = (√3−1) min = ( ) min = 16 min, 23 sec
73
11. If a 30 m ladder is placed against a 15 m wall such that it just reaches the top
of the wall, then the elevation of the wall is equal to-
(a) 45º (b) 30º (c) 60º (d) 50º (b)
Explanation:
AC = 30 meter; AB = 15 meter
∠ACB = θ
AB 15 1
∴ sin θ = = = ⇒ sin θ = sin 30∘ ⇒ θ = 30∘
AC 30 2

12. The angles of elevation of the top of from two points P and Q at distance m2
and n2 respectively, from the base and in the same straight line with it are
complementary. The height of the tower is-
(a) √mn (b) m√𝑛 (c) √m𝑛 (d) mn (d)
NDPEJ General Aptitude-5

Explanation:
H H H
tan θ = 2 ⇒ tan(90∘ − θ) = 2 ⇒ cot θ = 2
m n n
H H H H
⇒ tan θ . cot θ = 2 × 2 ⇒ 2× 2=1
m n m n
⇒ H 2 = m2 n2 ⇒ H = mn
13. A boy is standing at the top of the tower and another boy is at the ground at
some distance from the foot of the tower, then the angle of elevation and
depression between the boys when both look at a each other will be-
(a) Equal (b) Angle of (c) Cannot be (d) Angle of (a)
elevation will be predicted for depression will be
greater. relation greater.
Explanation:
Here, AD is parallel to BC and AC is a transversal.
⇒ θ1 = θ2

14. The angle of elevation of a cloud from a point 200 m above a lake is 30º and
the angle of depression of its reflection in the lake is 60º. The height of the
cloud is-
(a) 200 m (b) 300 m (c) 400 m (d) 600 m (a)
Explanation:
Let, AC=H m; OA= am
1 H
tan 30∘ = = a
√3
H + 200 + 200 H + 400
tan 60∘ = √3 = ⇒ = √3
a √3H
⇒ H + 400 = 3H ⇒ 2H = 400m ⇒ H = 200m
Height of cloud above lake = 200 m

15. A man is watching from the top of tower a boat speeding away from the tower.
The boat makes an angle of depression of 45º with the man’s eye when at a
distance of 60 meters from the tower. After 5 seconds, the angle of depression
becomes 30º. What is the approximate speed of the boat, assuming that it is
running in still water?
General Aptitude -6 NDPEJ

(a) 32 kmph (b) 36 kmph (c) 38 kmph (d) 40 kmph (a)

Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and C and D be the two positions of the boats.
Then, ∠ACB = 45º, ∠ADB=30º and AC = 60 m
Let, AB = h
AB
Then, AC = tan 45∘ = 1 ⇒ AB = AC ⇒ h = 60m
AB 1
And AD = tan 30∘ = ⇒ AD = (AB × √3) = 60√3
√3
∴CD = (AD−AC) = 60(√3 − 1)m
60(√3−1) 18
Hence, required speed = [ 5 ] = (12 × 0.73) = (12 × 0.73 × 5 ) = 31.5 ≈ 32 kmph
16. The top of a 15-metre-high tower makes an angle of elevation of 60º with the
bottom of an electric pole and angle of elevation of 30º with the top of the pole.
What is the height of electric pole ?
(a) 5 m (b) 8 m (c) 10 m (d) 12 m (c)
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and CD be the electric pole.
Then, ∠ACB=60º, ∠EDB=30º and AB = 15 m
Let CD = h
Then, BE = (AB - AE) = (AB - CD) = (15 - h)
AB AB 15
= tan 60∘ = √3 ⇒ AC = =
AC √3 √3
BE ∘ 1
And, DE = tan 30 = ⇒ DE = (BE × √3)
√3
= √3(15 − h) So, AC=DE
15
⇒ = √3(15 − h) ⇒ 3h = (45 − 15) ⇒ h = 10m
√3
17. TF is a tower with F on the ground. The angle of elevation of T from A is x°
such that tan x°= 2/5 and AF = 200 m. The angle of elevation of T from a
nearer point B is y° with BF = 80 m. The value of y° is-
(a) 75º (b) 45º (c) 60º (d) 30º (b)
Explanation:
2
Given tan xº=5 and AF = 200 meter
2 TF 2×200
∴ 5 = AF ⇒ TF = ⇒ TF = 80m
5
TF 80
We have, BF = 80 m ∴ tan y ∘ = BF = 80 = 1 = tan45° ∴ y ∘ = 45∘
18. From the top of a tower, the angles of depression of two objects P and Q
(situated on the ground on the same side of the tower) separated at a distance
of 100 × (3 − √3) m are 45° and 60 ° respectively. The height of the tower
is-
NDPEJ General Aptitude-7

(a) 200 m (b) 250 m (c) 300 m (d) none of these (c)

Explanation:
Let, OP= a
H H
tan 60∘ = a ⇒ H = √3a ⇒ = a … . . (i)
√3
H
tan 45∘ = 1 = a+100(3−√3) ⇒ a + 100(3 − √3) = H
H
From (i) + 100(3 − √3) = H ⇒ H + 300√3 − 300 = √3H
√3
⇒ 300√3 − 300 = √3H − H ⇒ (√3 − 1)H = 300(√3 − 1) ⇒ H = 300m
19. From a lighthouse the angles of depression of two ships on opposite sides of
the light house are observed to be 30° and 45°. If the height of the lighthouse
is h metres, the distance between the ships is
(a) √3 + 1)h m (b) √3 − 1)h m (c) √3h m (d) none of these (a)
Explanation:
Let AB be lighthouse and P and Q are two ships on its opposite
sides which form angle of elevation of A as 45° and 30°
respectively AB = h; Let PB = x and QB = y
Perpendicular AB
Now in right ΔAPB, tan θ = = PB
Base
h h
⇒ tan 45∘ = ⇒ 1 = ⇒ x = h … … … … (i)
x x
AP h 1 h
Similarly, in right ΔAQB, tan 30∘ = QB = y ⇒ = y ⇒ y = √3h … … … … (ii)
√3
Adding (i) and (ii), ∴PQ = x+y= h + √3h = (√3 + 1)h
20. If a 1.5 m tall girl stands at a distance of 3 m from a lamp-post and casts a
shadow of length 4.5 m on the ground, then the height of the lamp-post is
(a) 1.5 m (b) 2 m (c) 2.5 m (d) 2.8 m (c)
Explanation:
Let AB is girls and CD is lamp-post AB = 1.5
which casts her shadow EB
∴ EB=4.5m, BD=3m
AB 1.5 1
Now in ΔAEB, tan θ = BE = 4.5 = 3
CD 1 h 1 h
and in ΔCED, tan θ = ED ⇒ 3 = 4.5+3 ⇒ 3 = 7.5
7.5
⇒h= − 2.5m ∴Height of lamp - post=2.5m
3

21. If the height of a vertical pole is √3 times the length of its shadow on the
ground, then the angle of elevation of the sun at that time is
(a) 30º (b) 60º (c) 45º (d) 75º (b)
General Aptitude -8 NDPEJ

Explanation:
Let AB be a vertical pole and let its shadow be BC
Let BC = x m, then length of pole = √3x
θ be the angle of elevation
AB √3x
∴ tan θ = BC = = √3 = tan 60∘ ∴ θ = 60º
x
22. Two persons are 'a' meter apart and the height of one is double that of the other.
If from the middle point of the line joining their feet, an observer finds the
angular elevation of their tops to be complementary, then the height of the
shorter post is
a a a
(a) 4 (b) (c) a√2 m (d) 2√2 (d)
√2
Explanation:
Let AB and CD are two persons standing ‘a’ meter apart
P is the mid-point of BD and from M, the angles of elevation of
A and C are complementary
AB h 2h
In ΔAPB, tan θ = BP = a = a
2
a
PD a
In ΔCDP, cot(90 − θ) = CD = 2h 2
= 4h
We Know that, tan θ = cot(90 − θ)
2h a a
∴ = ⇒ 8h2 = a2 ⇒ h =
a 4h 2√2
23. A ladder 15 m long just reaches the top of a vertical wall. If the ladder makes
an angle of 60º with the wall, then the height of the wall is
15√3 15 (d) 15 (b)
(a) 15√3 (b) (c)
2 2
Explanation:
Let AB is a wall and AC is the ladder 15 m long which makes an angle
of 60º with the ground. ∴ In ∆ABC, ∠B = 90°
Let height of wall AB = h
AB h √3 h 15√3
Then, sin θ = ⇒ sin 60∘ = 15 ⇒ = 15 ⇒h= m
AC 2 2
15√3
∴ Height of the wall = m
2

24. The angles of depression of two ships from the top of a light house are 45° and
30° towards east. If the ships are 100 m apart, the height of the light house is
50 50 (c)
(a) 𝑚 (b) 𝑚 (c) 50(√3 − 1)𝑚 (d) 50(√3 + 1)𝑚
√3+1 √3−1
NDPEJ General Aptitude-9

Explanation:
Let AB be the light house C and D are two ships whose angles
of depression on A are 30° and 45° respectively
∠ACB = ∠XAC = 30º, ∠ADB = ∠YAD = 45ºand
CD = 100m
Let AB = h and CB = x then BC = (100 - x)m
AB h 1 h
Now in ΔACB, tan θ = CB ⇒ tan 30∘ = x ⇒ = x ⇒
√3
x = √3h … … (i)
AB h
Similarly, in ΔADB, tan 45∘ = BD ⇒ 1 = 100−x ⇒ x = 100 − h … … (ii)
From (i) and (ii) √3h = 100 − h ⇒ (√3 − 1)h = 100
100 100(√3 − 1) 100(√3 − 1) 100(√3 − 1)
h= = = = = 50(√3 − 1)
√3 + 1 (√3 + 1)(√3 − 1) 3−1 2
∴ height of light house = 50(√3 − 1) m
25. If the angles of elevation of a tower from two points distance a and b (a > b)
from its foot and in the same straight line from it are 30° and 60°, then the
height of the tower is?
(a) √a + b (b) √ab (c) √a − b m a (b)
(d) √b
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and P and Q are such points that PB = a, QB =
b and angles of elevation at P and Q are 30° and 60° respectively
Let AB=h, Now in right ΔAPB,
Perpendicular AB h 1 h
tan θ = = PB ⇒ tan 30∘ = a ⇒ = a … … … . (i)
Base √3
∘ AB h
Similarly, in right ΔAQB, tan 60 = QB ⇒ √3 = b … … … . (ii)
1 h h h2
Multiplying (i) and (ii) × √3 = a × b ⇒ 1 = ab ⇒ h2 = ab ⇒ h = √ab
√3
∴ Height of the tower = √ab

26. Two poles are ‘a’ metres apart and the height of one is double of the other. If
from the middle point of the line joining their feet an observer finds the angular
elevations of their tops to be complementary, then the height of the smaller is
𝑎 𝑎
(a) √𝑎 m (b) m (c) m (d) 2a m (b)
2√2 √2
General Aptitude -10 NDPEJ

Explanation:
Let height of pole CD = h
and AB = 2h, BD = a
a
M is mid-point of BD ∴ DM = MB = 2
Let ∠CMD = θ then ∠AMB = 90º - θ
CD h 2h
Now, tan θ = DM = a = a … … (i)
2
∘ AB 2h 4h 4h
And tan(90 − θ) = MB = a = ⇒ cot θ = … … … (ii)
a a
2
2h 4h 8h2 a2
Multiplying (i) and (ii) tan θ × cot θ = × ⇒1= = h2 = m
a a a2 8
a2 a a
h = √8 = = 2√2 m
√8
27. From the top of a cliff 25 m high the angle of elevation of a tower is found to
be equal to the angle of depression of the foot of the tower. The height of the
tower is
(a) 25 m (b) 50 m (c) 75 m (d) 100 m (b)
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and CD be cliff Angle of elevation of
A is equal to the angle of depression of B at C
Let angle be Q and CD = 25 m
Let AB = h
CE || DB ∴EC = DB = x (suppose)
EB = CD = 25
∴AE = h−25
CD 25
Now in right ΔCDB, tan θ = DB = x … … (i)
AE h−25
and in right ΔCAE, tan θ = CE = … … (ii)
x
25 h−25
From(i) and (ii) x = x ⇒ 25 = h − 25 ⇒ h = 25 + 25 = 50
∴Height of tower = 50m

28. The ratio of the length of a rod and its shadow is 1 : √3 The angle of elevation
of the sum is
(a) 30º (b) 45º (c) 60º (d) 90º (a)

Explanation:
Let AB be rod and BC be its shadow
So that AB : BC = 1 : √3
Let θ be the angle of elevation
𝐴𝐵 1
∴ tan 𝜃 = 𝐵𝐶 = = tan 30∘ =∴ θ = 30º
√3
∴ Hence angle of elevation = 30º
NDPEJ General Aptitude-11

29. The tops of two poles of height 20 m and 14 m are connected by a wire. If the
wire makes an angle of 30° with horizontal, then the length of the wire is
(a) 12 m (b) 10 m (c) 8 m (d) 6 m (a)
Explanation:
Let AB and CD be two poles
AB = 20 m, CD = 14 m
A and C are joined by a wire
CE || DB and angle of elevation of A is 30°
Let CE = DB = x and AC = L’
Now AE = AB - EB = AB - CD = 20 - 14 = 6 m
Perpendicular AE
Now in right ΔACE, sin θ = =
Hypotenuse AC
6 1 6
⇒ sin 30∘ = ⇒ = ⇒ AC = 2 × 6 = 12
AC 2 AC
∴Length of AC = 12m
30. A lower subtends an angle of 30° at a point on the same level as its foot. At a
second point h metres above the first, the depression of the foot of the tower is
60°. The height of the tower is
h h h (c)
(a) m (b) √3h m (c) m (d) m
2 3 √3
Explanation:
Let CD is the tower and A is a point such that the angle of elevation
of C is 30°
B is and their point h m high of A and angle of depression of D is 60°
The AB = h m
Let CD = H m and AD = x
AB h h h
Now, in right ΔABD, tan θ = AD ⇒ tan 60∘ = x ⇒ √3 = x ⇒ x = … … (i)
√3
CD 1 H
Similarly, in right ΔACB, tan 30∘ = AD ⇒ = ⇒ x = √3H … … (ii)
√3 x
h h h h
From (i) and (ii) √3H = H= =3 ∴Height of tower= 3
√3 √3×√3
31. The tops of two poles of height 16 m and 10 m are connected by a wire of
length l metres. If the wire makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal, then l =
(a) 26 (b) 16 (c) 12 (d) 10 (c)

Explanation:
Let AB and CD are two poles AB = 10 m and CD = 16 m
AC is wire which makes an angle of 30° with the horizontal
Let BD = x, then AE = x
CE = CD - ED = CD - AB = 16 - 10 = 6m
CE 6 1 6
Now, inΔACE sin 30∘ = AC = l ⇒ 2 = l ⇒ l = 2 × 6 = 12m
General Aptitude -12 NDPEJ

32. The angle of elevation of the top of a tower standing on a horizontal plane from
a point A is α. After walking a distance 'd' towards the foot of the tower the
angle of elevation is found to be β. The height of the tower is
𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 𝑑 (b)
(a) cot 𝛼+cot 𝛽 (b) cot 𝛼−cot 𝛽 (c) tan 𝛽−tant 𝛼 (d) tan 𝛽+tant 𝛼
Explanation:
Let AB be the tower and C is a point such that the angle of
elevation of A is α.
After walking towards the foot B of the tower, at D the angle
of elevation is β.
Let h be the height of the tower and DB = x Now in ΔACB,
Perpendicular AB
tan θ = =
Base CB
h h
tan α = ⇒d+x= ⇒ d + x = h cot α ⇒ x = hcot α − d … … (i)
d+x tan α
h h
Similarly, in right ΔADB, tan β = x ⇒ x = tan β ⇒ x = hcot β … … … (ii)
From (i) and (ii) h cot α − d = h cot β ⇒ h cot α − h cot β = d ⇒ h(cot α − cot β) = d
d d
⇒ h = cot α−cot β ∴ Height of the tower = h = cot α−cot β

33. A balloon leaves the earth at a point A and rises vertically at uniform speed.
At the end of 2 minutes, John finds the angular elevation of the balloon as 60°.
If the point at which John is standing is 150 m away from point A, what is the
speed of the balloon?
(a) 0.63 m/s (b) 2.16 m/s (c) 3.87 m/s (d) 0.78 m/s (b)

Explanation:
Let C be the position of John. Let A be the position at which balloon leaves
the earth and B be the position of the balloon after 2 minutes.
Given that CA = 150 m, ∠BCA = 60º
BA BA
tan 60∘ = CA ⇒ √3 = 150 ⇒ BA = 150√3
i.e, the distance travelled by the balloon = 150√3 meters
time taken = 2 min = 2 × 60 = 120 seconds
Distance 150√3
Speed = ⇒ = 1.25√3 ⇒= 1.25 × 1.73 = 2.16 m/s
Time 120
34. A person, standing exactly midway between two towers, observes the top of
the two towers at angle of elevation of 22.5° and 67.5°. What is the ratio of the
height of the taller tower to the height of the shorter tower? (Given that tan
22.5° = √2 − 1 )
(a) 1 − 2√2: 1 (b) 1 + 2√2: 1 (c) 3 + 2√2: 1 (d) 3 − 2√2: 1 (c)
NDPEJ General Aptitude-13

Explanation:
Let ED be the taller tower and AB be the shorter tower.
Let C be the point of observation
Given that ∠ ACB = 22.5° and ∠ DCE = 67.5°
Given that C is the midpoint of BD
Hence, BC = CD
AB
From the right ΔABC, tan 22.5∘ = BC … … (eq: 1)
ED
From the right ΔCDE, tan 67.5∘ = CD … … (eq: 2)
ED 1
(eq:2) tan 67.5∘ ( ) ED tan(90∘ −22.5∘ ) ED cot 22.5∘ ED ( ) ED
CD tan 22.5∘
⇒ tan 22.5∘ = AB = AB ⇒ = AB ⇒ tan 22.5∘ = AB ⇒ = AB
(eq:1) ( ) tan 22.5∘ tan 22.5 ∘
BC
2 2 2
ED 1 1 1 (√2 + 1) (√2 + 1)
⇒ = = = ( ) = [ ] = [ ]
AB (tan 22.5∘ )2 (√2 − 1)2 √2 − 1 (√2 − 1)(√2 + 1) (2 − 1)
2
(√2+1)
=[ ] = (√2 + 1)2 = (2 + 2√2 + 1) = (3 + 2√2)
1
Required Ratio = ED : AB = (3 + 2√2) ∶ 1

35. A vertical tower stands on ground and is surmounted by a vertical flagpole of

height 18 m. At a point on the ground, the angle of elevation of the bottom and
the top of the flagpole are 30° and 60° respectively. What is the height of the
tower?
(a) 9 m (b) 10.40 m (c) 15.57 m (d) 12 m (a)

Explanation:
Let DC be the vertical tower and AD be the vertical flagpole. Let B be
the point of observation.
Given that AD = 18 m, ∠ ABC = 60°, ∠ DBC = 30°
DC 1 h BC
Let DC be h tan 30∘ = BC ⇒ = BC ⇒ h = … … (eq: 1)
√3 √3
∘ AC 18+h
tan 60 = BC ⇒ √3 = ⇒ 18 + h = BC × √3 … … (eq: 2)
BC
BC
eq:1 h ( ) 1
√3
⇒ 18+h = (BC×√3) = 3 ⇒ 3h = 18 + h ⇒ h = 9m
eq:2
i.e., the height of the tower = 9 m
36. To a man standing outside his house, the angles of elevation of the top and
bottom of a window are 60° and 45° respectively. If the height of the man is
180 cm and he is 5 m away from the wall, what is the length of the window?
(a) 8.65 m (b) 2.5 m (c) 2 m (d) 3.65 m (d)
General Aptitude -14 NDPEJ

Explanation:
Let AB be the man and CD be the window
Given that the height of the man, AB = 180 cm, the distance between
the man and the wall, BE = 5 m,
∠ DAF = 45º, ∠ CAF = 60º
From the diagram, AF = BE = 5 m
DF DF
From the right ΔAFD, tan 45∘ = AF ⇒ 1 = 5 ⇒ DF = 5 … … (1)
CF CF
From the right ΔAFC, tan 60∘ = AF ⇒ √3 = ⇒ CF = 5√3 … … (2)
5
Length of the window = CD = (CF − DF) = 5√3 − 5 = 5(√3 − 1)
= 5(1.73 − 1) = 5 × 0.73 = 3.65 m

37. The angles of depression and elevation of the top of a wall 11 m high from top
and bottom of a tree are 60° and 30° respectively. What is the height of the
tree?
(a) 22 m (b) 44 m (c) 33 m (d) 46 m (b)

Explanation:
Let DC be the wall, AB be the tree.
Given that ∠DBC = 30°, ∠DAE = 60°, DC = 11 m
DC 1 11
tan 30∘ = ⇒ = ⇒ BC = 11√3
BC √3 BC
AE = BC = 11√3m … … (1)
ED ED
tan 60∘ = AE ⇒ √3 = 11√3 ⇒ ED = 11√3 × √3 = 11 × 3 = 33
Height of the tree = AB = EC = (ED + DC) = 33 + 11 = 44m
38. The angle of elevation of the top of the tower from a point on the ground is
3
sin−1 (5) If the point of observation is 20 meters away from the foot of the
tower, what is the height of the tower?
(a) 9 m (b) 18 m (c) 15 m (d) 12 m (c)
Explanation:
Let P be the point of observation and QR be the tower.
3
Given that θ = sin−1 (5) and PQ = 20 m
Let the height of the tower, QR = h and PR = x
QR 3 h
From the right ΔPQR, sin θ = PR ⇒ sin [sin−1 (5)] = x
3 h 5h
⇒5=x ⇒ x = 3 … … (eq: 1)
From Pythagorean theorem, we have PQ2 + QR2 = PR2 ⇒ 202 + h2 = x 2
5h 2 25h2 16h2 4h
⇒ 202 + h2 = ( 3 ) ⇒ 202 + h2 = ⇒ = 202 ⇒ = 20
9 9 3
3×20
h= = 15m i.e., height of the tower = 15 m
4
NDPEJ General Aptitude-15

39. A ladder 10 m long just reaches the top of a wall and makes an angle of 60°
with the wall.Find the distance of the foot of the ladder from the wall?
(a) 4.32 m (b) 17.3 m (c) 5 m (d) 8.65 m (d)

Explanation:
Let BA be the ladder and AC be the wall as shown above.
Then the distance of the foot of the ladder from the wall = BC
BC
Given that BA = 10 m, ∠ BAC = 60º, sin 60∘ = BA
√3 BC √3
= ⇒ BC = 10 × = 5 × 1.73 = 8.65
2 10 2

40. Jack takes 20 minutes to jog around the race course one time, and 25 minutes
to jog around a second time. What is his average speed in miles per hour for
the whole jog if the course is 3 miles long?
(a) 6 (b) 8 (c) 9 (d) 10 (b)

Explanation:
total distance
Average speed = total time
Total distance covered = 6 miles; total time = 45 minutes = 0.75 hours
6
Average speed = 0.75 = 8 miles/hour
41. A flagstaff 17.5 m high casts a shadow of length 40.25 m. What will be the
height of a building, which casts a shadow of length 28.75 m under similar
conditions ?
(a) 14 cm (b) 13.5 cm (c) 12.5 cm (d) 11.4 m (c)
Explanation:
Let the required height of the building be x meter
More shadow length, More height(direct proportion)
Hence, we can write as
(shadow length) 40.25 : 28.75 :: 17.5 : x
17.5 175 7
⇒ 40.25 × x = 28.75 × 17.5 ⇒ x = 28.75 × 40.25 = 2875 × 40250 = 2875 × 1610
2875
= 230 = 12.5cm
42. There are two parallel streets each directed north to south. A person in the first
street travelling from south to north wishes to take the second street which is
on his right side. At some place, he makes a 150 deg turn to the right and he
travels for 15 minutes at the speed of 20 km/hr. After that he takes a left turn
of 60 deg and travels for 20 minutes at the speed of 30 km/hr in order to meet
the second street. What is the distance between the two streets?
(a) 7.5 km (b) 10.5 km (c) 12.5 km (d) 15 km (c)

Explanation:
General Aptitude -16 NDPEJ

Initially the person is travelling from south to north i.e., D to A

He takes 150 deg right turn and moves AB distance and then he takes 60 deg left turn travels
BC
AB = 20km/hr × 15/60 hr = 5km
20
BC = 30 × 60 = 10 km
We know that distance between both the streets is DC = DB + BC
1
DB = AB cos 60º= 5 × 2 =2.5 km
So, the distance between streets = 12.5 km

43. A man standing at a point P is watching the top of a tower, which makes an
angle of elevation of 30º with the man's eye. The man walks some distance
towards the tower to watch its top and the angle of the elevation becomes 45º.
What is the distance between the base of the tower and the point P?
(a) 9 units (b) 3√3 units (c) Data inadequate (d) 12 units (c)

Explanation:
SR
tan 45∘ = QR
SR SR
tan 30∘ = PR = (PQ+QR)
Two equations and 3 variables. Hence, we can not find the required
value with the given data.
44. A vertical pole fixed to the ground is divided in the ratio 1 : 9 by a mark on it
with lower part shorter than the upper part. If the two parts subtend equal
angles at a place on the ground, 15 m away from the base of the pole, what is
the height of the pole?
(a) 60√5 m (b) 15√3 m (c) 15√5 m (d) 60√3 m (a)
Explanation:
Let CB be the pole and point D divides it such that BD : DC = 1 : 9
Given that AB = 15 m
Let the the two parts subtend equal angles at point A such that ∠CAD
= ∠ BAD = θ
From "Angle Bisector Theorem", we have
BD AB 1 15
= AC ⇒ 9 = AC ⇒ AC = 15 × 9m … … (eq: 1)
DC
From the right ΔABC, CB = √AC2 − AB2
= √(15 × 9)2 − 152 = √152 × 92 − 152 = 60√5m

45. A man is watching from the top of a tower a boat speeding away from the
tower. The boat makes an angle of depression of 45° with the man's eye when
at a distance of 100 metres from the tower. After 10 seconds, the angle of
NDPEJ General Aptitude-17

depression becomes 30°. What is the approximate speed of the boat, assuming
that it is running in still water?
(a) 26.28 km/hr (b) 42.42 km/hr (c) 24.22 km/hr (d) 31.25 km/hr (a)

Explanation:
Consider the diagram shown above.
Let AB be the tower. Let C and D be the positions of the boat
Then, ∠ ACB = 45º, ∠ ADC = 30º, BC = 100 m
AB AB
tan 45∘ = BC ⇒ 1 = 100 ⇒ AB = 100 … … (eq: 1)
AB 1 100
tan 30∘ = BD ⇒ = ⇒ BD = 100√3
√3 BD
CD = (BD − BC) = (100√3 − 100) = 100(√3 − 1)
It is given that the distance CD is covered in 10 seconds. i.e., the distance 100(√3 − 1) is
covered in 10 seconds.
Distance 100(√3−1)
Required speed = Time = = 10(1.73 − 1) = 26.28km/hr
10
46. An aeroplane when 900 m high passes vertically above another aeroplane at
an instant when their angles of elevation at same observing point are 60° and
45° respectively. Approximately, how many meters higher is the one than the
other?
(a) 381 m (b) 169 m (c) 254 m (d) 211 m (a)
Explanation:
Let C and D be the position of the aeroplanes.
Given that CB = 900 m, ∠ CAB = 60º, ∠ DAB = 45º
CB 900
From the right ΔABC, tan 60∘ = AB ⇒ √3 = AB
900 900×√3 900√3
AB = = = = 300√3
√3 √3×√3 3
DB DB
From the right ΔABD, tan 45∘ = AB ⇒ 1 = AB
⇒ DB = AB = 300√3
Required height = CD = (CB − DB) = (900 − 300√3) = 381 m

47. The angle of elevation of the sun, when the length of the shadow of a tree is
equal to the height of the tree, is:
(a) 30º (b) 60º (c) 45º (d) 50º (c)

Explanation:
Consider the diagram shown above where QR represents the tree and PQ
represents its shadow
We have, QR = PQ Let ∠QPR=θ
QR
tan θ = PQ = 1 ⇒ θ = 45∘
i.e., required angle of elevation = 45°
General Aptitude -18 NDPEJ

48. Two persons are on either side of a tower of height 50 m. The persons
observers the top of the tower at an angle of elevation of 30° and 60°. If a car
crosses these two persons in 10 seconds, what is the speed of the car?
24 (d) none of these (a)
(a) 24√3km/hr (b) 24√3 km/hr (c) km/hr
3 √3
Explanation:
Let BD be the tower and A and C be the positions of the persons.
Given that BD = 50 m, ∠ BAD = 30º, ∠ BCD = 60º
From the right ΔABD,
BD 1 50
tan 30∘ = BA ⇒ = BA ⇒ BA = 50√3
√3
BD
From the right ΔCBD, tan 60∘ =
BC
50 50 50×√3 50√3
⇒ √3 = BC ⇒ BC = = =
√3 √3×√3 3
50√3 200√3
Distance between the two persons = AC = BA + BC = 50√3 + = m
3 3
200√3
i.e., the distance travelled by the car in 10 seconds = m
3
200√3
Distance ( ) 200√3
3
Speed of the car = = = = 24√3 km/hr
Time 10 3

49. A man on the top of a vertical observation tower observers a car moving at a
uniform speed coming directly towards it. If it takes 8 minutes for the angle of
depression to change from 30° to 45°, how soon after this will the car reach
the observation tower?
(a) 8 min 17 (b) 10 min 57 (c) 14 min 34 (d) 12 min 23 (b)
second second second second
Explanation:
Consider the diagram shown above. Let AB be the tower. Let D and
C be the positions of the car.
Then, ∠ ADC = 30º, ∠ ACB = 45º
Let AB = h, BC = x, CD = y
AB h h
tan 45∘ = BC = x ⇒ 1 = x ⇒ h = x … … (1)
AB AB h 1 h
tan 30∘ = BD = (BC+CD) = x+y ⇒ = x+y ⇒ y = h(√3 − 1)
√3
Given that distance y is covered in 8 minutes.
i.e, distance h(√3 − 1) is covered in 8 minutes.
Time to travel distance x = Time to travel distance h (∵ Since x = h as per equation 1).
Let distance h is covered in t minutes.
since distance is proportional to the time when the speed is constant, we have
h(√3 − 1) ∝ 8 … … (A) And h ∝ t … … … … . (B)
(A) h(√3−1) 8 8 8 70
⇒ = ⇒ (√3 − 1) = ⇒ t = (√3−1) = 10 73 ≈ 10 minutes 57 seconds
(B) h t t
NDPEJ General Aptitude-19

50. The elevation of the summit of a mountain from its foot is 45°. After ascending
2 km towards the mountain upon an incline of 30°,the elevation changes to
60°. What is the approximate height of the mountain?
(a) 1.2 km (b) 0.6 km (c) 1.4 km (d) 2.7 km (d)
Explanation:
Let A be the foot and C be the summit of a mountain.
Given that ∠CAB = 45º
From the diagram, CB is the height of the mountain. Let CB = x
Let D be the point after ascending 2 km towards the mountain such
that AD = 2 km and given that ∠DAY = 30º
It is also given that from the point D, the elevation is 60°
i.e., ∠CDE = 60°
CB x
From the right ΔABC, tan 45∘ = AB ⇒ 1 = AB ⇒ AB = x … … (1)
DY 1 DY
From the right ΔAYD,sin 30∘ = AD ⇒ 2 = ⇒ DY = 1 … … . (2)
2
AY √3 AY
cos 30∘ = AD ⇒ = ⇒ AY = √3 … … (3)
2 2
CE (CB−EB) (CB−DY) (x−1) (x−1)
From the right ΔCED, tan 60∘ = DE = = = (x− ⇒ √3 = (x−√3)
YB AB−AY √3)
⇒ 𝑥√3 − 3 = 𝑥 − 1 ⇒ 𝑥 = 2.7 i.e., the height of the mountain = 2.7 km