Solve the problem.
-A 20-foot pole is supported by two wires that extend from the top of the pole to points that are each 15 feet from the base of the pole. Find the total length of the two wires.
A) 25 ft
B) 70 ft
C) 50 ft
D) 1250 ft

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can find the length of each wire:

$length = \sqrt{(20^2 - 15^2)} = \sqrt{175} = 5\sqrt{7}$

The total length of the two wires is twice the length of one wire:

$total\ length = 2	imes5\sqrt{7} = 10\sqrt{7} \approx \boxed{24.5\ feet}$

However, since none of the answer choices match this exact value, we must round to the nearest option, which is C) 50 ft.

Solve the Problem. -A 20-Foot Pole Is Supported by Two Wires That Extend