Question

At a certain time of day, the ratio of the height of the pole to the length of its shadow is `1 : sqrt(3)`, then the angle of elevation of the sun at that time of the day is ______.

Options

• 30°

• 45°

• 60°

• 90°

Answer 1

At a certain time of day, the ratio of the height of the pole to the length of its shadow is `1 : sqrt(3)`, then the angle of elevation of the sun at that time of the day is 30°.

Explanation:

In the right triangle formed by the pole (height) and its shadow (base). 

`tan θ = "Height"/"Shadow"`

= `1/sqrt(3)` 

Since tan 30° = `1/sqrt(3)`, θ = 30°.