Question 476553
Let x = hypotenuse of the right triangle formed.
Then the perpendicular side of the right triangle will measure 12 - x feet, while the horizontal side will be 4 feet.
Then by the Pythagorean theorem, 

{{{(12-x)^2 + 462 = x^2}}}

<==> {{{144 - 24x + x^2 + 16 = x^2}}}
==> 160 = 24x
==> x = 20/3
==> the break is up 12 - x = 16/3 feet, or approximately 5.33 feet.