Question

WILL MEDAL AND FAN
Two poles, AB and ED, are fixed to the ground with the help of ropes AC and EC, as shown:
What is the approximate distance, in feet, between the two poles?
11.14 feet
16.65 feet
14.35 feet
15.59 feet

Answer 1

@TheStarlingHasFlown

Answer 2

The pythagorean thereom is helpful here. a squared + b squared = c squared.

Answer 3

I know the pythagorean theorem, but I am not sure to what I am applying it to

Answer 4

Well, what's 15 * 15?

Answer 5

225

Answer 6

Good, now, what's 13 * 13?

Answer 7

169

Answer 8

And what is 225 - 169?

Answer 9

56

Answer 10

Now what is the square root of that? Is this making sense now?

Answer 11

7.48331477355

Answer 12

Now, repeat what we just did with the other triangle. What's 10 * 10?

Answer 13

100

Answer 14

And 4 * 4 is 16. so 100 - 16?

Answer 15

84

Answer 16

And the square root of that?

Answer 17

9.16515138991

Answer 18

Now add the two products together. 9.16 and 7.48

Answer 19

16.64

Answer 20

16.65 is one of your answers. Did that help?

Answer 21

Thank you!!!

Answer 22

Happy to help.