Question 273534
you end up with a triangle. The problem didn't state but I assume it is a right triangle so we can use the formula of {{{a^2+b^2=c^2}}}

{{{28^2+96^2=c^2}}} 
{{{784+ 9216=c^2}}} 

{{{c^2=10000}}} to solve for c we need to find the square root of both sides. the sqrt of {{{c^2=c}}} and the sqrt of 10000=100. This make the answer c=100

The first number that was given, 28 was the part of the tree still standing. The distance from the top of the tree along the ground to the base of the tree is 96. Our job is to find out how long the fallen piece is. We did this by completeing the pythagorean theorem. Now that we have the length of the tree that was left standing and the length of the piece that is broken and hinged over, all we have to do is add them together.

So, 28+100=128 this means that the tree was 128 ft tall before it fell.