Answer:
0.168 ft aprox
Explanation:
To solve this problem, we can use similar triangles and proportions. Let's denote the distance ahead of the car where the light beam hits the ground as "x" (in feet).
According to the given information, the light beam drops 2 inches for every 26 feet horizontally. We can set up the following proportion:
2 inches / 26 feet = x inches / x + 26 feet
To solve for x, we can cross-multiply and solve the resulting equation. Let's convert inches to feet to maintain consistent units:
2 inches = 2/12 feet = 1/6 feet
1/6 feet / 26 feet = x feet / x + 26 feet
1/6 * (x + 26) = 26 * x
x/6 + 26/6 = 26x
x + 26 = 156x
156x - x = 26
155x = 26
x = 26 / 155 ≈ 0.168 ft
Therefore, the headlights will hit the ground approximately 0.168 feet (or 2.016 inches) ahead of the car.