Question

Pythagoras and True Love

Answer 1

Let us find the length of rope Jules will need using the pythagoras theorem .

Width of the moat ( let the moat be the base of this triangle ) = 14 foot

Distance from Roma's window to the boat ( let this be the side of the triangle where the right angle is present ) =20 feet

Then the length of rope needed ( hypotenuse ) =

= Let us name the triangle that is formed as △ ABC . Then ;

In △ ABC :

AB = the width of moat ( leg of triangle ) = 14 foot

BC = The distance from the window to the moat ( base ) = 20 feet

AC = Length of rope needed ( hypotenuse ) =

= AB ² + BC² = AC² ( according to the pythagoras theorem the square on the hypotenuse will be equal to the sum of the squares on the other two legs )

= 14² + 20² = AC²

= 196 + 400 = AC²

= 596 = AC²

= 24 × 24 = AC × AC

= 24 foot = AC = length of rope needed by jules .

Therefore , Jules will need a 24 foot rope so that his girlfriend can slide down and escape from her apartment .