Question

A pole vaulter rested a 17 foot pole against a wall. If the top of the pole hit the wall 14 feet above the ground, how far from the wall is the bottom of the pole

Answer 1

a = √93

a ≈ 9.64

Explanation:

We can use the Pythagorean theorem for this: a² + b² = c²

c is given as the hypotenuse, which is the pole with a length of 17 ft

c² is 17²

b is a leg with a height of 14 ft

b² = 14²

We need to find the base leg, a, distance from the wall to the base of the pole.

Solve:

a² + 14² = 17²

a² + 196 = 289

a² = 93

a = √93

-Chetan K