Question

THE TOP OF A 20 FT. WATERSLIDEIS 16 FT. ABOVE THE GROUND.HOW FAR FROM THE BASE OF THESTEPS WILL THE GUESTS BE SHOTINTO THE WATER?

Answer 1

Using the given information, we form the following diagram.

To find x we use Pythagorean's Theorem.

`20^2=16^2+x^2`

Then, we solve for x.

`\begin{gathered} 400-256=x^2 \\ x=\sqrt[]{144} \\ x=12 \end{gathered}`

Therefore, the answer is 12 feet.