SOLUTION: How long is a guy wire if it reaches from the top of a 15 foot pole to a point on the ground 10 feet from the pole? Could you please explain how to solve this problem? Thank yo

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: How long is a guy wire if it reaches from the top of a 15 foot pole to a point on the ground 10 feet from the pole? Could you please explain how to solve this problem? Thank yo      Log On


   

Question 287277: How long is a guy wire if it reaches from the top of a 15 foot pole to a point on the ground 10 feet from the pole?
Could you please explain how to solve this problem?
Thank you.
Cynthia
Answer by Stitch(470) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
This problem can be solved using the Pythagorean theorem.
The Pythagorean theorem states that in any right triagle, A%5E2+%2B+B%5E2+=+C%5E2
Where C is the hypotenuse (or the diagonal)
The guy wire is forming a right triangle with the pole and the ground.
A and B represent the sides of the triangle but it does not matter which one so We will set A = 15ft (the given height)
and B = 10ft (Given distance from pole)

Using: A%5E2+%2B+B%5E2+=+C%5E2
15%5E2+%2B+10%5E2+=+C%5E2 Simplify
225+%2B+100+=+C%5E2 Simplify
325+=+C%5E2+ Take the square root of both sides
highlight%2818.027+=+C%29
The guy wire is a little over 18ft long