SOLUTION: Two poles, A and B, are 12 meters apart. Pole A is 5 meters high. A rope 20 meters long is tied to the top of pole A and stretches to the top of pole B. What is the height of pole

Algebra ->  Finance -> SOLUTION: Two poles, A and B, are 12 meters apart. Pole A is 5 meters high. A rope 20 meters long is tied to the top of pole A and stretches to the top of pole B. What is the height of pole       Log On


   

Question 995426: Two poles, A and B, are 12 meters apart. Pole A is 5 meters high. A rope 20 meters long is tied to the top of pole A and stretches to the top of pole B. What is the height of pole B? Assume that pole B is taller than pole A.
Answer by ikleyn(52802) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
.
Two poles, A and B, are 12 meters apart. Pole A is 5 meters high. A rope 20 meters long is tied to the top of pole A and stretches to the top of pole B.
What is the height of pole B? Assume that pole B is taller than pole A.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Height(B) = Height(A) + x, where

x = sqrt%2820%5E2+-+12%5E2%29 = sqrt%28400+-+144%29 = sqrt%28256%29 = 16.

Height(B) = 16 + 5 = 21 meters.