Question

There is a hole in Mr. Smith's backyard. He wants to find out how wide the hole is. From the point where Mr. Smith is standing, he measures 20 and 25. How wide is the hole?
a2 + b2 = c2


A) 10
B) 15
C) 20
D) 90

Answer 1

Hello!

The answer is:

The correct option is:

B) 15

Why?

To solve the problem, we need to use the Pythahorean Theorem. We know that we can use the theorem since we are working with a right triangle as we can see in the picture.

So, we are given the following information:

$Hypothenuse=c=25units\\\\Opposite=b=20units$

Now, using the Pythagorean Theorem, we have:

$c^{2}=a^{2} +b^{2} \\\\25^{2}=a^{2}+20^{2}\\\\a^{2}=25^{2}-20^{2}=225\\\\a=\sqrt{225}=15$

Hence, we have that the correct option is:

B) 15

Have a nice day!