A 5 foot long pole leans against a wall. The bottom is 3 feet from the wall. How much farther should the bottom be pulled away from the wall so that the top moves the same amount down the wall?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Yes. I tried doing that but my answer wasn't right. I can draw a picture and put it on here to see if I am doing it right?

anonymous · Answer

The value of x for that triangle would be 4 by the Pythagorean Theorem.

anonymous · Answer

What do you mean by average? How would you find that?

anonymous · Answer

I'm guessing you meant make the 3 ft side equal to 4 ft side? In that case, 1 ft?

anonymous · Answer

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anonymous · Answer

$$(x+3)^2+(4-x)^2=5^2$$$$x=1 $$