Question

12. A tree is broken by the wind. The topstrikes the ground at a distance of 1.5 m from its base. If the tree as broken at a height of 2 m from the ground, what is the height of the tree​

Answer 1

Let A’CB be the tree before it broken at the point C and let the top A’ touches the ground at A after it broke. Then ΔABC is a right angled triangle, at B.

AB = 12 m and BC = 5 m

Using Pythagoras theorem,

In ΔABC

(AC)²=(AB)²+(BC)²

(AC)²=(12)²+(5)²

(AC)²=144+25

(AC)²=169

AC = √169

AC= 13 m

Hence, the total height of the tree(A’B) = A’C + CB = 13 + 5 = 18 m.