SOLUTION: Two flag poles in front of the court house are 12 feet tall. The distance from the top of one pole to the base of the other is 20 feet. What is the distance between the two flag p

Algebra ->  Test  -> Lessons -> SOLUTION: Two flag poles in front of the court house are 12 feet tall. The distance from the top of one pole to the base of the other is 20 feet. What is the distance between the two flag p      Log On


   

Question 311132: Two flag poles in front of the court house are 12 feet tall. The distance from the top of one pole to the base of the other is 20 feet. What is the distance between the two flag poles?
Answer by Edwin McCravy(20054) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Two flag poles in front of the court house are 12 feet tall. The distance from the top of one pole to the base of the other is 20 feet. What is the distance between the two flag poles? 




By the Pythagorean theorem:

x%5E2%2B12%5E2=20%5E2
x%5E2%2B144=400
x%5E2=256
x=sqrt%28256%29
x=16

Answer: 16 feet.

Edwin