Question

use pythagorean theorem to answer the following question.
rodney walks 10 feet to the east from the base of a 25 - foot tall flagpole. approximately what is the distance from his feet to the top of the pole?
round the answer to one decimal place.
ft.

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the right triangle sides

The flagpole height (25 ft) and the eastward distance (10 ft) are the two legs of a right triangle. Let \( a = 25 \), \( b = 10 \), and \( c \) be the hypotenuse (distance from feet to top).

Step2: Apply Pythagorean Theorem

The Pythagorean Theorem is \( a^2 + b^2 = c^2 \). Substitute \( a = 25 \) and \( b = 10 \):
\( 25^2 + 10^2 = c^2 \)
\( 625 + 100 = c^2 \)
\( 725 = c^2 \)

Step3: Solve for \( c \)

Take the square root of 725: \( c = \sqrt{725} \approx 26.9 \) (rounded to one decimal place).

Answer:

26.9