AB is a vertical trunk of a huge tree with A being the point where the base of the trunk touches the ground. Due to a cyclone, the trunk has been broken at C which is at a height of 12 meters, broken part is partially attached to the vertical portion of the trunk at C. If the end of the broken part B touches the ground at D which is at a distance of 5 meters from A, then the original height of the trunk is:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (b) 25 m
The standing 12 m of trunk and the 5 m along the ground form a right triangle whose hypotenuse is the broken part: √(12² + 5²) = 13 m. The original height was 12 + 13 = 25 m.
- AC = 12 m (standing), AD = 5 m (on the ground), angle CAD = 90°.
- Broken part CD = √(12² + 5²) = √169 = 13 m.
- Original height = AC + CB = 12 + 13 = 25 m.
Remember · Broken-tree problems: original height = standing part + hypotenuse from the break to where the top touches the ground.
Question and answer: UPSC's official GS Paper II (2016, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·