SOLUTION: Edwin is building a skateboarding ramp by propping the end of a piece of wood on a cinder block. If the ramp starts 72 centimeters from the cinder block and the piece of wood is 90

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: Edwin is building a skateboarding ramp by propping the end of a piece of wood on a cinder block. If the ramp starts 72 centimeters from the cinder block and the piece of wood is 90      Log On


   

Question 1174443: Edwin is building a skateboarding ramp by propping the end of a piece of wood on a cinder block. If the ramp starts 72 centimeters from the cinder block and the piece of wood is 90 centimeters long, how tall is the cinder block?
Answer by ewatrrr(24785) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

Hi



According to the diagram:
 h = 90cm
 a = 72cm
 b = height of cinder block
Pythagorean theorem:  a^2 + b^2 = h^2
  72^2 + b^2 = 90^2
use Your Calculator: b^2 = 90^2 - 72^2 = 2916
    b = √2916 = 54cm       (tossing out negative solution for length)


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