(a) If \(\log_{10} 2 = 0.3010\) and \(\log_{10} 3 = 0.4771\), calculate without using tables,

MATHEMATICS
WAEC 1996

(a) If \(\log_{10} 2 = 0.3010\) and \(\log_{10} 3 = 0.4771\), calculate without using tables, the value of \(\log_{10} 0.72\).

(b) A hawk on top of a tree, 20 metres high views a chick on the ground at an angle of depression of 39°. Find, correct to 2 significant figures, the distance of the chick from the bottom of the tree.

Explanation

(a) \(\log_{10} 0.72 =\log_{10} (\frac{72}{100})\)

= \(\log_{10} 72 - \log_{10} 100\)

= \(72 = 2^{3} \times 3^{2}\)

\(\log_{10} 72 = \log_{10} 2^{3} + \log_{10} 3^{2} = 3\log_{10} 2 + 2 \log_{10} 3\)

= \(3(0.3010) + 2(0.4771) = 0.9030 + 0.9542 = 1.8572\)

\(\therefore \log_{10} 0.72 \equiv \log_{10} 72 - \log_{10} 100\)

= \(1.8572 - 2 = -0.1428\)

(b)angle of depression and elevation of the chick from the bottom of the tree \(\tan 39° = \frac{20}{AB} \)

= \(\frac{20}{\tan 39°}\)

\(AB = 24.698 m \approxeq 25m\)



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