SOLUTION: A flag is raised while an onlooker watches from a distance of 17 feet away from the base of the flag pole. The flag rises vertically at a rate of 5 inches per second. Let t denote

Question 649450: A flag is raised while an onlooker watches from a distance of 17 feet away from the base of the flag pole. The flag rises vertically at a rate of 5 inches per second. Let t denote the time (in seconds) after the flag begins to rise (For simplicity, assume that when the flag begins to rise it is 0 inches above the ground). Express the distance d (in feet) between the flag and the onlooker as a function of t.
I have attempted this several times using the pythagorean theorem, but I I have not gotten the correct answer. Please help!
Answer by ankor@dixie-net.com(22740) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A flag is raised while an onlooker watches from a distance of 17 feet away
from the base of the flag pole.
The flag rises vertically at a rate of 5 inches per second.
Let t denote the time (in seconds) after the flag begins to rise
(For simplicity, assume that when the flag begins to rise it is 0 inches
above the ground).
Express the distance d (in feet) between the flag and the onlooker as a function of t.
:
Change 5 inches to ft
:
Use the pythag: c^2 = a^2 + b^2, in this problem
a = t
b = 17
c = d
:
d^2 = (t)^2 + 17^2
d =
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