Comprehension
A man standing on a boat south of a lighthouse observes his shadow to be 24 meters long, as measured at sea level. On sailing 300 meters eastwards, he finds his shadow as 30 meters long, measured in a similar manner. The height of the man is 6 meters above sea level. The height of the lighthouse above sea level is:
Question: 1

The height of the light house above the sea level is:

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Always use triangle similarity when comparing heights and shadow lengths. Then apply Pythagoras to resolve distances when movement is involved.
Updated On: Aug 23, 2025
  • 90 meters
  • 94 meters
  • 96 meters
  • 100 meters
  • 106 meters
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The Correct Option is

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Define situation.
- Let the height of the lighthouse = \(KL\). - Height of man = 6 m. - Shadow length in first position = 24 m. - Shadow length in second position (after 300 m east) = 30 m.

Step 2: Use similarity of triangles.
By geometry, the lighthouse, tip of shadow, and man form similar right triangles. So, \[ \frac{KL}{24} = \frac{LE}{30} \] where \(LE\) is the horizontal distance of the man in second position from lighthouse.

Step 3: Relationship between distances.
We know that: \[ \frac{24}{30} = \frac{4}{5} \] Thus, if \(LC = 4x\), then \(LE = 5x\).

Step 4: Use Pythagoras in right triangle.
Triangle \(LBE\) is right-angled: \[ (LE)^2 = (LB)^2 + (BE)^2 \] Given: \(LB = 4x\), \(LE = 5x\), and \(BE = 300\). So, \[ (5x)^2 - (4x)^2 = 300^2 \] \[ 25x^2 - 16x^2 = 90000 \] \[ 9x^2 = 90000 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x^2 = 10000 \quad \Rightarrow \quad x = 100 \]

Step 5: Find distances.
- \(LB = 4x = 400\) m - \(LE = 5x = 500\) m - \(LC = LB + BC = 400 + 24 = 424\) m

Step 6: Find height of lighthouse.
Using similarity: \[ \frac{KL}{24} = \frac{424}{4} \] \[ KL = \frac{424}{4} \times 24 = 106 \]

Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{106 \text{ meters}} \]
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Question: 2

What is the horizontal distance of the man from the lighthouse in the second position?

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Once the scaling ratio is found using similarity, you can directly multiply it to get distances instead of repeating the whole derivation.
Updated On: Aug 23, 2025
  • 300 meters
  • 400 meters
  • 500 meters
  • 600 meters
  • None of the above
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall from Q74.
From earlier solution, we found that: - \(x = 100\). - \(LE = 5x\).

Step 2: Compute distance.
\[ LE = 5 \times 100 = 500 \text{ meters} \]

Final Answer:
\[ \boxed{500 \text{ meters}} \]
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