Question

Given that the horizontal distance from the hoop to the free-throw line (at point A) is 15 feet, how tall is the hoop? Round the answer to the nearest whole foot.

A.
8 feet
B.
10 feet
C.
12 feet
D.
23 feet

Answer 1

Is there something missing here?

Answer 2

Like point A ??

Answer 3

To complete the problem, we need the Diagonal distance from the free-throw line to the hoop:
$$
\text{Height=}\sqrt{\text{Diagonal}^2-15^2}
$$

Answer 4

@ybarrap excellent picture

@liljizzet the length of the diagonal as stated above or the angle of elevation (theta) is needed
tan theta = height/horizontal so height = 15 tan theta

Answer 5

I am guessing that the height of the hoop is some standard value, so the problem is see if the student knows how to "Google" Gee!

Answer 6

Regulation height is 10 ft.

Answer 7

@radar but that's what the question is asking isn't it?

Answer 8

@triciaal Yes, that was the point I was trying to make (see the 4th post above). If that was all the information provided the author was testing the resourcefulness of his students (I guess lol).

Answer 9

Thanks @triciaal. I think you are both right - that's the only approach that is plausible