Question

Two poles, AB and ED, are fixed to the ground with the help of ropes AC and EC, as shown:

What is the approximate distance, in feet, between the two poles?

6.93 feet
8.66 feet
12.32 feet
15.59 feet

Answer 1

15.59

Explanation:

Answer 2

Distance between the poles AB and ED is 15.59 feet .

Explanation:

By using the pythagoras theorem

Hypotenuse² = Perpendicular² + Base²

As in ΔABC

AC² = AB² + BC²

AC = 13 ft

AB = 11 ft

Put in the above

13² = 11² + BC²

169 = 121 + BC²

169 - 121 = BC²

48 = BC²

`BC = √(48)`

BC = 6.93 units (Approx)

As in ΔCDE

CE² = CD² + DE²

CE = 10 ft

DE = 5 ft

Put in the above

10² = CD² + 5²

100 = CD² + 25

100 - 25 = CD²

`CD = √(75)`

CD = 8.66 ft (Approx)

Thus

Distance between the poles AB and ED = BC + CD

= 6.93 + 8.66

= 15.59 feet

Therefore the distance between the poles AB and ED is 15.59 feet .