A 12 foot flagpole casts a 9 foot shadow what is the measurement from the top of the shadow to the top of the flagpole?
15
21
3
6

Question

A 12 foot flagpole casts a 9 foot shadow what is the measurement from the top of the shadow to the top of the flagpole?
15 
21
3
6

richyw · Answer

$$a^2+b^2=c^2$$|dw:1367610015689:dw|

richyw · Answer

a=12, b=9

richyw · Answer

so now solve for c
$$c=\sqrt{a^2+b^2}$$

anonymous · Answer

21?

richyw · Answer

nope

richyw · Answer

how did you get that?

anonymous · Answer

idk i am really bad at math sorry

anonymous · Answer

i am more of a history person

richyw · Answer

alright well you have$$c=\sqrt{12^2+9^2}$$$$c=\sqrt{225}$$

richyw · Answer

this can easily be solved in your head if you divide everything by 3 first, then you have a 5,4,3 triangle, so you know that $\frac{c}{3}=5$ and c=15

richyw · Answer

but if you know sqrt{225} then you can directly calculate it

nubeer · Answer

|dw:1367610537766:dw|

anonymous · Answer

ok that makes seance

nubeer · Answer

|dw:1367610621804:dw|
now apply the formula richyw told.