Question

In a recent storm, an 18-foot utility pole broke and fell leaving a 5-foot tall portion upright. How far is the top of the pole from the base of the pole?

Answer 1

Answer:
`12\ ft`

Explanation:

Given

Total height of utility pole is 18 ft

After breakage, only 5 foot tall portion is standing

The fallen part is
`18-5=13\ ft` in length

From the figure, apply the Pythagoras theorem

`\Rightarrow 13^2=x^2+5^2\\\Rightarrow x^2=169-25\\\Rightarrow x=√(169-25)\\\Rightarrow x=√(144)\\\Rightarrow x=12\ ft`

Thus, the fallen part is
`12\ ft` away from the base of the pole.