Optics mirrors problem with rearview of car

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alingy1
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Homework Statement


I'm riding my car. My eye is 40cm from the rearview mirror. I want to know if I can see the car behind me. The car behind me is 2.5m large. Can I entirely see the car behind me in his whole wideness? The mirror is 23 cm long. The car is 4 meters behind us.


Homework Equations


Reflection laws.
Similar triangles.


The Attempt at a Solution


So, I drew this triangle (look attachment). And found that the eye, from where he his, can see the whole car. But, the question is not too clear. Do you think my steps are good?
 
Attachments
  • Geometry diagram of a rearview mirror setup: a horizontal mirror at the top with a red eye symbol 40 cm away, a 23 cm mirror width, a 4 meter vertical distance down to a right angle, and a 2,5 meters horizontal base to the far end of the car.
    Photo pour Yu2.jpg
    7 KB · Views: 544

Discussion

Where is the 4 meters measured from, the eye or the 23 cm mirror ? I think you have the correct answer though, at least app[roximately.
 
Your diagram is confusing and not accurate. The triangles are not similar.
40/23 is not equal to 4/2.5
 

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