Question

A tree is broken at a height of 5 m from the ground and its top touches the ground at a distance of 12 m from the base of the tree find the original height of the tree

Answer 1

Answer:

The original height of the tree is 18 m.

Step-by-step explanation:

Please see attached photo for explanation.

From the diagram, we shall determine the value of 'x'. This can be obtained by using the pythagoras theory as follow:

x² = 5² + 12²

x² = 25 + 144

x² = 169

Take the square root of both side

x = √169

x = 13 m

Finally, we shall determine the original height of the tree. This can be obtained as follow.

From the question given above, the tree was broken from a height of 5 m from the ground which form a right angle triangle with x being the Hypothenus as illustrated in the diagram.

Thus, the original height of the will be the sum of 5 and x i.e

Height = 5 + x

x = 13 m

Height = 5 + 13

Height = 18 m

Therefore, the original height of the tree is 18 m.