SOLUTION: A tree 36' tall breaks forming a triangle. From the base of the tree along the ground to the tip is 24'(lets call this (b)leg). I know the (a)leg + the hypotenuse is 36' but how

Question 178943: A tree 36' tall breaks forming a triangle. From the base of the tree along the ground to the tip is 24'(lets call this (b)leg). I know the (a)leg + the hypotenuse is 36' but how can i find the new value for the (a)leg using the pythagorean theorem. I solved it by just plugging in numbers but that took forever. Sure could use your help, confused.
Answer by Mathtut(3670) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
ok you have the right idea.......the total of leg a and hypothenuse is 36. lets call the leg b as you say. If the leg is b then the hypothenuse lets call that c has to be equal to 36-b, right!! So
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feet
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feet
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