SOLUTION: This is not from a textbook. The equation D = 1.2sqrt( h ) gives the distance, D, in miles that a person can see to the horizon from a height, h, in feet. a. Solve this eq

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: This is not from a textbook. The equation D = 1.2sqrt( h ) gives the distance, D, in miles that a person can see to the horizon from a height, h, in feet. a. Solve this eq      Log On

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Question 129833: This is not from a textbook.
The equation D = 1.2sqrt( 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 the 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.
I get very confused with these type of real life word problems. Can you help me understand how to figure out?
Answer by solver91311(24713) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
"Solve for (something)" means to do whatever is legal to get that something all by itself on one side of the equal sign (typically the left because we read left to right) and everything else on the other side.

D+=+1.2sqrt%28+h+%29

First, turn it around, for the left to right thing:

1.2sqrt%28+h+%29=D

Divide by 1.2
sqrt%28h%29=D%2F1.2

Then square both sides:
h=%28D%2F1.2%29%5E2

That is really sufficient, although you could square the denominator on the right and make it look like this:
h=D%5E2%2F1.44

For part b, you just need to use the original equation and do some work with your calculator:

D+=+1.2sqrt%2814255%29

From here on read '=' as 'approximately equal to'

D+=+1.2%28119.4%29%29

D+=+143.3

So from Long's Peak you can see a little over 143 miles, weather permitting. Given a clear day, Cheyenne, WO should be clearly visible since 89 is considerably less than 143.