SOLUTION: a tree struck by lightning broke at a point 16 feet above ground level. The broken trunk formed a right angle with the top of the tree resting on the ground 18 feet from the base o

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Question 964178: a tree struck by lightning broke at a point 16 feet above ground level. The broken trunk formed a right angle with the top of the tree resting on the ground 18 feet from the base of the tree. what was the full height of the tree, to the nearest foot, before it was struck by lightning. if you could help me out that would really mean a lot!
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The broken tree forms a right triangle, with one leg from the ground to the break 16 feet up, the other leg from the base 18 feet out, and the hypotenuse formed by the broken trunk from the break to the point 18 feet from the base.
The legs are 16 feet and 18 feet, so:
a%5E2%2Bb%5E2=c%5E2
%2816feet%29%5E2%2B%2818feet%29%5E2=c%5E2
256ft%5E2%2B324ft%5E2=c%5E2
580ft%5E2=c%5E2
24.1ft=C
The broken part of the tree is 24.1 feet and it broke off 16 feet above the ground:
16 feet+24.1 feet=40.1 feet
ANSWER: The full height of the tree was 40 feet.