Question

If the diagonal distance covered by the stairs pictured is 25 feet, and the horizontal distance is 15 feet, what is the height of the stairs? Round your answer to the nearest foot if necessary
25 feet
22 feet
400 feet
20 feet

Answer 1

Answer: 20 feet

Step-by-step explanation:

Hi, since the situation forms a right triangle 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 diagonal distance covered by the stairs) and a (horizontal distance) and b (vertical distance) are the other sides.  

Replacing with the values given:  

25^2 = 15^2 + b^2  

625 = 225 + b^2  

625-225 = b^2

400= b^2

√400 =b

b =20 feet

Feel free to ask for more if needed or if you did not understand something.  

Answer 2

Answer: 20 feet

Step-by-step explanation:

From the question, the diagonal distance covered by the stairs is 25 feet, and the horizontal distance is 15 feet. To calculate the height of the stairs, we will use the Pythagoras rule

The square of the diagonal will be equal to the addition of the square of the horizontal distance and the square of the height. This will be:

25² = 15² + height²

height² = 25² - 15²

height² = 625 - 225

height² = 400

height = ✓400

height = 20 feet

The height of the stairs is 20 feet