Question

How far is the little guy from the flagpole (assuming a right angle between the flagpole and the ground)? Explain how you got your answer.

Answer 1

b = 9 ft

Explanation:

Pythagorean Theorem:

a^2 + b ^2 = c^2

Given:

a = 12

b = ?

c = 15

Plug in values:

12^2 + b^2 = 12^2

Solve for b^2:

b^2 = 15^2 - 12^2

b^2 = 225 - 144

b^2 = 81

Take square root of both sides to find b:

sqrt(b^2) = sqrt(81)

b = 9

Hope this helps! :)