Question

In a recent storm, an 18-foot utility pole broke and fell leaving a 5-foot tall portion upright. How far is the top of the pole from the base of the pole?

Answer 1

Answer: $12\ ft$

Step-by-step explanation:

Given

Total height of utility pole is 18 ft

After breakage, only 5 foot tall portion is standing

The fallen part is $18-5=13\ ft$ in length

From the figure, apply the Pythagoras theorem

$\Rightarrow 13^2=x^2+5^2\\\Rightarrow x^2=169-25\\\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{169-25}\\\Rightarrow x=\sqrt{144}\\\Rightarrow x=12\ ft$

Thus, the fallen part is $12\ ft$ away from the base of the pole.