SOLUTION: I think that I am supposed to use a^2+b^2=c^2 for this problem. But I dont want to be wrong. If someone could please tell me how to do this problem, or show me an example with step

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: I think that I am supposed to use a^2+b^2=c^2 for this problem. But I dont want to be wrong. If someone could please tell me how to do this problem, or show me an example with step      Log On


   

Question 353289: I think that I am supposed to use a^2+b^2=c^2 for this problem. But I dont want to be wrong. If someone could please tell me how to do this problem, or show me an example with steps and I could figure it out on my own. Thanks

2. The equation D=1.2√h gives the distance, D, in miles that a person can see to the horizon from a height, h, in feet.
a. Solve this equation for h.
b. Long’s Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park, is 14,255 feet in elevation. How far can you see to the horizon from the top of Long’s Peak? Can you see Cheyenne, Wyoming (about 89 miles away)? Explain your answer.

Answer by jsmallt9(3758) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
D+=+1.2sqrt%28h%29
To "solve for h" means transformt he equation so that h, just plain old h, is by itself on one side of the equation. In your equation, this means the 1.2 and the radical need to "go away". We can make the 1.2 disappear by dividing both sides of the equation be 1.2:
D%2F1.2+=+sqrt%28h%29
And we can make the radical go away by squaring both sides of the equation:
%28D%2F1.2%29%5E2+=+%28sqrt%28h%29%29%5E2
D%5E2%2F1.44+=+abs%28h%29
Because h cannot be negative, we do not need the absolute value:
D%5E2%2F1.44+=+h
We now have h by itself on one side of the equation. We have solved for h.

For the second part, just use the original equation
D+=+1.2sqrt%28h%29
put 14255 in for h:
D+=+1.2sqrt%2814255%29
and use your calculator to find D.