Answer:
20 ft.
Explanation:
There are two different (yet similar) ways to solve this problem:
a. Pythagorean theorem
b. Pythagorean triplet recognition
With option "a", you set it up:
12² + 16² = x²
144 + 256 = x²
400 = x²
x = 20
But, the arguably "easier" way to find out the distance is to use the Pythagorean's triplet recognition.
We know that the most common right triangle is the 3-4-5 right triangle.
If you take the three side lengths, and multiple them by the same thing, those are the sides to another right triangle.
ex. 3-4-5 * 5
15-20-25 are the sides of another right triangle!
This also means that if you have a triangle that has the sides 15, 20, and 25, you immediately know it's a right triangle.
When we look at 12 and 16, we know they are the legs of the triangle.
We also know that if we multiply 4 times 3 and 4, it will equal 12 and 16.
So what's 5 times 4? 20!