SOLUTION: A wire 20m long is attached to the top of a telephone pole. The wire is just able to reach a point on the ground 12m from the base of the telephone pole. Find the height of telepho

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Question 458120: A wire 20m long is attached to the top of a telephone pole. The wire is just able to reach a point on the ground 12m from the base of the telephone pole. Find the height of telephone pole.
Answer by richwmiller(17219) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
20^2=12^2+a^2
400=144+a^
256=a^2
16=a
This is a 4 multiple of classic 3,4,5 right triangle
3*4=12
4*4=16
5*4=20
This hint will be handy on final exams when time is important.