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A gangway 3.2m long rests on the edge of a Platform 1.3m above ground level, as shown. How far is the bottom of the gangway from the base of the platform?

User MacFreek
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1 Answer

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The gangway and the platform form a triangle with the ground:

So, we need to find the value of x (distance, in meters, of the bottom of the gangway from the base of the platform).

Since that is a right triangle, we can find x using the formula:

1.3² + x² = 3.2²

1.3² + x² - 1.3² = 3.2² - 1.3²

x² = 10.24 - 1.69

x² = 8.55

√x² = √8.55

x ≅ 2.92

Therefore, the bottom of the gangway is approximately 2.92 m far from the base of the platform.

A gangway 3.2m long rests on the edge of a Platform 1.3m above ground level, as shown-example-1
User Zahid Habib
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