Question

An anemometer is a device used to measure wind speed.

The anemometer shown is attached to the top of a pole.
Support wires are attached to the pole 5 feet above the
ground. Each support wire is 6 feet long. How far from
the base of the pole is each wire attached to the ground?​

Answer 1

The question can be answered by using a Pythagoras' Theorem :
`c^2=a^2+b^2` to find the base of the pole to which each wire is attached to the ground.

Explanation:

the base of the pole is represented by b.

the height of the pole is represented by a= 5 feet

the length of t he wire is represented by c=5 feet.

Thus, using the Phytagoras Theorem,

c^2=a^2+b^2,

`6^2=5^2+b^2\\36=25+b^2,\\36-25=b^2\\Thus, b^2=11,\\b=\sqrt 11` or b=3.3.

Thus , each wire i attached by about 3.3 feet to the base of the pole.

Answer 2

3.32ft

Explanation:

The wire and the poles attached to the ground form a right triangle with the length of the wire being the hypotenuse.

Using Pythagoras Theorem:

Hypotenuse²=Adjacent²+Opposite²

6²=5²+x²

x²=36-25

x²=11

x=√11=3.32 ft.

The wires are attached 3.32 ft from the base of the pole on the ground