(From Richard Wiseman's blog)
There are 2 flagpoles that are each 100 foot high. A rope that is 150 feet long is strung between the tops of the flagpoles. At its lowest point the rope sags 25 feet about the ground (see schematic diagram below). How far apart are the flagpoles?

http://richardwiseman.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/puzzle1.jpg?w=450&h=438

Question

(From Richard Wiseman's blog)
There are 2 flagpoles that are each 100 foot high.  A rope that is 150 feet long is strung between the tops of the flagpoles.  At its lowest point the rope sags 25 feet about the ground (see schematic diagram below).  How far apart are the flagpoles?

http://richardwiseman.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/puzzle1.jpg?w=450&h=438

anonymous · Answer

This is a puzzle for those who enjoy them, not homework; so you don't get points unless you explain yourself!

anonymous · Answer

ahem... i dunno...:P

anonymous · Answer

common sense will work better than any formula for this problem

anonymous · Answer

is it , finding the length of the minor axis of the parabolla?

nilankshi · Answer

ya.............

anonymous · Answer

hmm idk I am not able to get answer hmm something wrong with puzzle i tried to apply Pythagoras theorem the perpendicular and hyp. are nearly same

anonymous · Answer

Satellite's advice is very useful here.

anonymous · Answer

hmm okay now the length of rope must be 75 ( from flagpole to mid ) so the hyp must be a little less than 75 and with perpendicular = 75 it is impossible  I mean base can't exist base that is the half distance between flag pole

anonymous · Answer

You're halfway to an answer!

anonymous · Answer

I am halfway to answer ? Lol hmm if the base can't exist wrt conditions given then maybe there is no distance between them

anonymous · Answer

Bingo!

anonymous · Answer

yay no distance sat was right

anonymous · Answer

yes common sense strikes again. down 75 up 75