In order to figure out the horizontal distance Raymond travels using his zip cable, we may simply apply Pythagoras theorem which is, for a right triangle: hypotenuse² = base² + height² base = √(hypotenuse² - height²) base = √(65² - 52²) base = 39 yards Raymond will travel a horizontal distance of 39 yards.
Let x represent the height of the viewing post, y represent the how far the base of the viewing post is from the end of the cable, and z represent the length of the cable. Now, use the Pythagorean theorem.
x2 + y2 = z2
(44 yd)2 + y2 = (55 yd)2
1,936 yd2 + y2 = 3,025 yd2
y2 = 1,089 yd2
y = 33 yd
So, the end of the cable is 33 yards from the base of the viewing post.
