SOLUTION: A 5-ft-long stem of bamboo is broken in such a way that its tip touches the ground 3 ft from the base of the stem, as shown in the figure. What is the height of the break

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: A 5-ft-long stem of bamboo is broken in such a way that its tip touches the ground 3 ft from the base of the stem, as shown in the figure. What is the height of the break      Log On


   

Question 570951: A 5-ft-long stem of bamboo is broken in such a way that its tip touches the ground 3 ft from the base of the stem, as shown in the figure. What is the height of the break
Answer by nerdybill(7384) About Me  (Show Source):
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A 5-ft-long stem of bamboo is broken in such a way that its tip touches the ground 3 ft from the base of the stem, as shown in the figure. What is the height of the break
apply Pythagorean theorem:
Let x = height of break
then
x^2 + 3^2 = 5^2
x^2 + 9 = 25
x^2 = 16
x = sqrt(16)
x = 4 feet