Word Problem

[greatwhiteshark]

A light pole 36 feet tall has a 39-foot wire attached to its top. A stake
is to be driven into the ground to secure the other end of the wire. The
distance from the pole that the stake should be driven is given by the
equation: 39 = Square root {d^2+36^2}, where d represents the distance.

a. Find d.

b. What is the relationship used to write the equations?

 

[wjm11]

A light pole 36 feet tall has a 39-foot wire attached to its top. A stake
is to be driven into the ground to secure the other end of the wire. The
distance from the pole that the stake should be driven is given by the
equation: 39 = Square root {d^2+36^2}, where d represents the distance.

It's a right triangle. How do we solve for the third side of a right triangle if we're given the other two sides?

 

[greatwhiteshark]

I see

I have to use the Pythagorean Theorem. Got it.