SOLUTION: A tree is supported by a wire anchored in the ground 15 feet from its base. The wire is 4 feet longer than the height that it reaches on the tree. How long is the wire? Use the Pyt

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Question 797791: A tree is supported by a wire anchored in the ground 15 feet from its base. The wire is 4 feet longer than the height that it reaches on the tree. How long is the wire? Use the Pythagorean theorem to write a polynomial equation.
Answer by stanbon(75887) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
A tree is supported by a wire anchored in the ground 15 feet from its base. The wire is 4 feet longer than the height that it reaches on the tree. How long is the wire? Use the Pythagorean theorem to write a polynomial equation.
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Draw the picture::
You have a right triangle with
base = 15 ft.; height = x ft.; hypotenuse = x+4 ft.
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Equation:
x^2 + 15^2 = (x+4)^2
x^2 + 225 = x^2 + 8x + 16
8x = 225-16
8x = 209
x = 26.125 ft
x+4 = 30.125 ft (length of the wire)
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Cheers,
Stan H.