Question 551263


We basically have this triangle set up:



{{{drawing(500,500,-0.5,2,-0.5,3.2,
line(0,0,0,3),
line(0,3,2,0),
line(2,0,0,0),
locate(-0.2,1.5,13),
locate(1,-0.2,9),
locate(1,2,x)
)}}}



To find the unknown length, we need to use the Pythagorean Theorem.



Remember, the Pythagorean Theorem is {{{a^2+b^2=c^2}}} where "a" and "b" are the legs of a triangle and "c" is the hypotenuse.



Since the legs are {{{13}}} and {{{9}}} this means that {{{a=13}}} and {{{b=9}}}


   

Also, since the hypotenuse is {{{x}}}, this means that {{{c=x}}}.



{{{a^2+b^2=c^2}}} Start with the Pythagorean theorem.



{{{13^2+9^2=x^2}}} Plug in {{{a=13}}}, {{{b=9}}}, {{{c=x}}} 



{{{169+9^2=x^2}}} Square {{{13}}} to get {{{169}}}.



{{{169+81=x^2}}} Square {{{9}}} to get {{{81}}}.



{{{250=x^2}}} Combine like terms.



{{{x^2=250}}} Rearrange the equation.



{{{x=sqrt(250)}}} Take the square root of both sides. Note: only the positive square root is considered (since a negative length doesn't make sense).



{{{x=5*sqrt(10)}}} Simplify the square root.



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Answer:



So the solution is {{{x=5*sqrt(10)}}} which approximates to {{{x=15.811}}} (when using a calculator).



This means that the length of the wire is approximately 15.8 meters.