How Do You Prove Two Triangles Are Similar?

4 replies · 2K views · last reply
Marso
Messages
11
Reaction score
4
Homework Statement
From P the angle of elevation to the top of Pole B is 30 degrees. Find h, the height of the two poles.
Relevant Equations
Unsure
I have tried multiple methods to solve this but have been unsuccessful at every attempt.

The apparent correct answer is:
 
Attachments
  • Diagram of two vertical posts of height h, labelled B on the left and A on the right, 24 m apart on level ground. A point P lies on the ground with wires from P to the top of each post; the angle at P to post B is 30 degrees and the angle at P to post A is 60 degrees. The distance from P to post A is labelled x.
    2DFB176B-0C37-49E5-9290-FFD575724A6B.jpeg
    17.4 KB · Views: 272
As I understand the problem, the heights of the two poles are both h. x is an unknown that you need to solve for in terms of h. That should then be of some help to you.
 
hutchphd said:
Can you show that the two triangles are similar?
Yes
 
hutchphd said:
Can you show that the two triangles are similar?
Thanks I solved it. Heh it missed my eye.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: hutchphd