An observer on a cliff 1000 dm above sea level sights two ships due east. the angles of depression of the ships are 44o and 32o. Find the distance between the ships.

Answer 1

draw a diagram. If the near ship is at distance x from shore, and the ships are d apart, then

x = 1000 cot44°
x+d = 1000 cot32°

so, d = 1000(cot32°- cot44°)