
Bradford T. answered 07/17/21
Retired Engineer / Upper level math instructor
Let d be the difference in the height of the two buildings.
Let y bet the height of the flagpole.
Let P be the point on the lower building.
x = the distance from the edge of the taller building to point P.
By opposite angles of parallel lines, the elevation angle from point P to the top of the flag pole is B°=54°.
tan(54°) = (y+d)/x --> y+d = 1660 tan(54°) = 2284.8 ft
By opposite angles of parallel lines, the elevation angle from point P to the bottom of the flag pole is A°=41°.
d/x = tan(41°) --> d = 1660tan(41°) = 1443 ft
y = 2284.8 -d = 2284.8-1443 = 841.8 ft.
height of flagpole = 841.8 feet