Question 1130356
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Draw out the picture
<img src = "https://i.imgur.com/iQlKKeK.png">
Diagram is not to scale
x = distance, in meters, Colin is from the base of the cliff


We have a right triangle forming. Use the pythagorean theorem to find x


{{{a^2 + b^2 = c^2}}}


{{{x^2 + 16^2 = 20^2}}} Plug in a = x, b = 16, c = 20


{{{x^2 + 256 = 400}}}


{{{x^2 + 256 - 256 = 400 - 256}}} Subtract 256 from both sides


{{{x^2 = 144}}}


{{{sqrt(x^2) = sqrt(144)}}} Apply the square root to both sides


{{{x = sqrt(144)}}}


{{{x = 12}}}


Answer: Colin is 12 meters away from the base of the cliff
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