Answer:
10.4
Step-by-step explanation:
We can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for the unknown side since this is a right a triangle.
a^2 +b^2 =c^2
where a and b are the sides and c is the hypotenuse
6^2 + x^2 =12^2
36+x^2 = 144
Subtract 36 from each side
36-26+x^2 =144-36
x^2 =108
Take the square root of each side
sqrt(x^2) = sqrt(108)
x = sqrt(108)
x =10.3923
x =10.4 rounding to the nearest tenth
since the distance from the outside edges is 26 1/2 feet, divide that by 2 to get the distance from the center to the edge ( 26 1/2 / 2 = 13 1/4 feet)
the stage is 76 feet so divide that by 2 to find the center 76/2 = 38 feet
now subtract the 13 1/4 from 38
38 - 13 1/4 = 24 3/4 feet from the side of the stage to the edge of the trap door
a little easier way would be to subtract the 26 1/2 from 76 and then divide by 2
76-26 1/2 = 49 1/2 / 2 = 24 3/4
