Question

Two vertical posts stand side by side. One post is 12 feet tall while the other is 19 feet tall. If a 27 foot wire is stretched between the tops of the posts, how far apart are the posts?

Answer 1

26.1 feet

Explanation:

This question is solved using Pythagoras theorem

Pythagoras Theorem =

c² = a² + b²

c = longest side = 27 feet

One post is 12 feet tall while the other is 19 feet tall.

The vertical side = a is calculated as

19 - 12 = 7 feet.

The third side = b = how far apart they are = ?

Therefore,

27² = 7² + b²

b² = 27² - 7²

b = √27² - 7²

b = √(680)

b = 26.076809621 feet

Approximately = 26.1 feet

Therefore, the distance between the posts = 26.1 feet