SOLUTION: how long is a string reaching from the top of a 12 ft pole to a point 6 ft from the base of the pole? express your answer in simplest radical form.

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: how long is a string reaching from the top of a 12 ft pole to a point 6 ft from the base of the pole? express your answer in simplest radical form.      Log On


   

Question 850247: how long is a string reaching from the top of a 12 ft pole to a point 6 ft from the base of the pole? express your answer in simplest radical form.
Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2

12%5E2+%2B+6%5E2+=+c%5E2

144%2B36+=+c%5E2

180+=+c%5E2

c%5E2+=+180

c+=+sqrt%28180%29

c+=+sqrt%2836%2A5%29

c+=+sqrt%2836%29%2Asqrt%285%29

c+=+6%2Asqrt%285%29


The exact length of the string is 6%2Asqrt%285%29 feet