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Really stuck on this A-Level maths Q. Is it even possible?!

Hi guys.

Been stuck on this A-Level maths question for a while, starting to wonder if it is even possible to work out!

Any help please???

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Reply 1
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queensboy
Take the shorter side as "x"

Take the longer side as "20+x"

And do some simultaneous trigonometry maybe?
Reply 2
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queensboy
And have the height labelled as "y"

So solve the simultaneous trig equations
Reply 3
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queensboy
Tan(37) X (20+x) = y
Tan(46) X (x)= y

And solve for x and y
If its a question from a reliable source then thinking it has no solution is the last thing you should do. And when the solution is shown to you, you will be disappointed. Maths is about challenges.

Anyways here you have two similar cases (two triangles) that are related to each other. The first thing that should come to mind is simultaneous equations - with two unknown variables only so that you can solve them

So try building up two simple simultaneous equation (using sin or tan ratios is the key) - each having two but the same unknown variables - one of which is h, the height. You can start by assigning a variable to the unknown distance from the flag pole in his first position.

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