Question

maria is setting up 2 poles for a volleyball net. maria needs 2 ropes to anchor each 7 - foot pole, as shown in the diagram.
maria plans to add 2 feet to the length of each rope so she has enough rope to tie knots.
how much rope does maria need to anchor both poles?
a 26.55 feet
b 31.32 feet
c 32.25 feet
d 29.52 feet

Explanation:

Step1: Calculate the length of one rope without the extra 2 feet

Use the Pythagorean theorem \(a^{2}+b^{2}=c^{2}\), where \(a = 7\) (height of the pole) and \(b=3.5\) (base).
$$c=\sqrt{7^{2}+3.5^{2}}=\sqrt{49 + 12.25}=\sqrt{61.25}\approx7.82$$

Step2: Add 2 feet to one rope's length

\(7.82+2 = 9.82\)

Step3: Calculate the total length for two ropes

Since there are two ropes, \(2\times9.82=19.64\approx19.62\) (approximate due to rounding differences in steps)

Answer:

D. 19.62 feet