Trigonometryhard · Past Paper

A ladder rests against a wall at α to the horizontal. Its foot is pulled a distance 'a' away so it slides 'b' down the wall, making angle β. Find a/b.

A(cosβ-cosα)/(sinα-sinβ)
B(sinα-sinβ)/(cosβ-cosα)
Ctanα/tanβ
D1

✓ Correct Answer: A(cosβ-cosα)/(sinα-sinβ)

L cos β - L cos α = a, L sin α - L sin β = b. Ratio a/b = (cos β - cos α) / (sin α - sin β).

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