In the diagram, a ladder PS leaning against a vertical wall PR makes angle x° with the horizontal floor. The ladder slides down to a point QT such that angl...

In the diagram, a ladder PS leaning against a vertical wall PR makes angle x° with the horizontal floor. The ladder slides down to a point QT such that angle QTR = 30° and SNT = y°. Find an expression for tan y.

Answer Details

Let's consider the right triangle PST. We know that angle PST = 90°, angle PSR = x°, and angle PTR = 30°. Therefore, angle PTS = 60° - x°. We also know that the ladder has length L and that it slides down the wall to a point Q such that TQ = x. Now, consider the right triangle QRT. We know that angle QRT = 90° and angle QTR = 30°. Therefore, angle QRT = 60°. We also know that TQ = x and QR = L - x. Finally, consider the right triangle NST. We know that angle NST = 90°, angle NTS = y°, and angle SNT = y° - (60° - x°) = x° + y° - 60°. We also know that NS = QR = L - x. Now, we can use the tangent function to find an expression for tan y: tan y = NS/NT = (L - x)/(TQ + QR) = (L - x)/(x + (L - x)) = (L - x)/(L) We can simplify this expression by multiplying the numerator and denominator by \(\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}}\): tan y = \(\frac{\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} (L - x)}{\frac{1}{\sqrt{3}} L}\) = \(\frac{\sqrt{3} \tan x - 1}{\sqrt{3} + \tan x}\) Therefore, the correct answer is.