Answer:
The distance between the soldiers is 1174 ft.
Step-by-step explanation:
See the attached diagram.
Let the position of the pilot is at B and AB = 1200 ft.
Now, the first soldier is at C and the second one is at D.
Therefore, ∠ BCA = 53° and ∠ BDA = 30°.
{Since angle of depression from pilot to the soldier is equal to the angle of elevation from soldier to pilot.}
Now, from the Δ ABC,
[tex]\tan 53 ^{\circ} = \frac{AB}{AC} = \frac{1200}{AC}[/tex]
⇒ AC = 904.265 feet.
Again, from Δ ABD,
[tex]\tan 30 ^{\circ} = \frac{AB}{AD} = \frac{1200}{AD}[/tex]
⇒ AD = 2078.461 feet.
So, the distance between the soldiers = CD = AD - AC = 2078.461 - 904.265 = 1174 feet (Approx.) (Answer)