Question

Cameron created this equation for the Pythagorean Theorem to find the ground

measurement. What is wrong with his work and show him the correct steps for the equation
and solution?

225ft wire
200ft telephone pole

200² + b² =225²
400 + b² = 450
b² = 50
b = 7.07

Answer 1

Instead of doing 225^2, he did 225 x 2 = 450, and instead of 200^2, he did 200x2 = 400. (Basically he incorrectly multiplied by 2 instead of actually squaring.)

So let's fix it:

His initial equation looks good!

200² + b² =225²

But now we'll make sure to square everything (not multiply by 2):

40000 + b² = 50625

b² = 50625 - 40000

b² = 10625

Now take the square root of both sides to solve for b:

b = 103.07764064

So b = approx 103.08 ft.