Answer:
leg 1= 36 feet
leg2 = 15 feet
Step-by-step explanation:
Hi, we have to apply the Pythagorean Theorem:
c^2 = a^2 + b^2
Where c is the hypotenuse of the triangle (in this case the distance between Doreen’s house and the tower) and a and b are the other legs.
leg1 = x
leg2 = x-21 (21 feet less than the other leg)
Replacing with the values given:
39^2 = x^2 + (x-21)^2
1,521 = x^2 + x^2 -42x +441
0 = 2x^2 -42x +441-1,521
0= 2x^2 -42x -1,080
For: ax2+ bx + c
x =[ -b ± √b²-4ac] /2a (quadratic formula)
Replacing with the values given:
x=-(-42)± √(-42)²-4(2)-1080] /2(2)
x= 42± √10,404] /4
x = 42± 102 /4
Positive:
x = 42+102 /4 = 36
leg 1= 36
leg2 = 36-21 =15
Feel free to ask for more if needed or if you did not understand something.
