Distance moved by archer

XAT 2026 · Quantitative Ability & Data Interpretation · Medium · Trigonometry

An archer, from the point AA, is aiming at a target, placed on the top of a 56 feet56\text{ feet} tall tree. The base of the tree is at the point CC. From the archer's position, the angle of elevation to the target is 45∘45^\circ from his eye level. The archer, facing the tree, moves backwards on the straight line joining the points AA and CC, to a new position at the point BB. From the point BB, the angle of elevation from his eye level to the target becomes 30∘30^\circ.

How far did the archer move from AA to BB (in feet) if his eye level is at a height of 6 feet6\text{ feet} from the ground?

  1. A.

    50350\sqrt{3}

  2. B.

    56356\sqrt{3}

  3. C.

    50(3−1)50(\sqrt{3}-1)

  4. D.

    50(1−13)50\left(1-\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\right)

  5. E.

    503\frac{50}{\sqrt{3}}

Answer

C

Explanation

Height of the tree above eye level = 56−6=50 feet56 - 6 = 50\text{ feet}. Let RR be the eye level point vertically aligned above AA, and SS above BB. Let PP be the top of the tree, and QQ be the point on the tree at eye level height. In △PQR\triangle PQR, tan⁡45∘=PQQR=1  ⟹  QR=50 ft\tan 45^\circ = \frac{PQ}{QR} = 1 \implies QR = 50\text{ ft}. In △PQS\triangle PQS, tan⁡30∘=PQQS=5050+RS=13  ⟹  50+RS=503  ⟹  RS=50(3−1) ft\tan 30^\circ = \frac{PQ}{QS} = \frac{50}{50 + RS} = \frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} \implies 50 + RS = 50\sqrt{3} \implies RS = 50(\sqrt{3}-1)\text{ ft}. Since AB=RSAB = RS, the distance moved is 50(3−1) feet50(\sqrt{3}-1)\text{ feet}.

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