6. A 20-foot ramp is used at the loading dock of a factory. If the base of the ramp is placed 19 feet from the base of the dock, how high is the loading dock? 20 19

Elementary Geometry For College Students, 7e
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ISBN:9781337614085
Author:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
Publisher:Alexander, Daniel C.; Koeberlein, Geralyn M.
ChapterP: Preliminary Concepts
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**Problem 6: Calculation of the Loading Dock Height**

**Given Problem:**
A 20-foot ramp is used at the loading dock of a factory. If the base of the ramp is placed 19 feet from the base of the dock, how high is the loading dock?

**Diagram Description:**
The provided problem includes a right triangle diagram. The components are:
- The hypotenuse (ramp length): 20 feet
- The base of the triangle (horizontal distance from the base of the ramp to the dock): 19 feet
- The vertical leg (height of the loading dock), denoted as 'x'

**Solution Approach:**
To solve for the height of the loading dock, we employ the Pythagorean theorem, which states:
\[a^2 + b^2 = c^2\]

In this context:
- \( a \) represents the height of the loading dock \(x\)
- \(b\) represents the base of the ramp (19 feet)
- \(c\) represents the length of the ramp (20 feet)

Applying the values to the Pythagorean theorem:
\[x^2 + 19^2 = 20^2\]

First, calculate:
\[19^2 = 361\]
\[20^2 = 400\]

So,
\[x^2 + 361 = 400\]

Isolate \(x^2\) by subtracting 361 from 400:
\[x^2 = 400 - 361\]
\[x^2 = 39\]

Solving for \(x\):
\[x = \sqrt{39}\]
\[x ≈ 6.24\]

**Answer:**
The height of the loading dock is approximately 6.24 feet.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem 6: Calculation of the Loading Dock Height** **Given Problem:** A 20-foot ramp is used at the loading dock of a factory. If the base of the ramp is placed 19 feet from the base of the dock, how high is the loading dock? **Diagram Description:** The provided problem includes a right triangle diagram. The components are: - The hypotenuse (ramp length): 20 feet - The base of the triangle (horizontal distance from the base of the ramp to the dock): 19 feet - The vertical leg (height of the loading dock), denoted as 'x' **Solution Approach:** To solve for the height of the loading dock, we employ the Pythagorean theorem, which states: \[a^2 + b^2 = c^2\] In this context: - \( a \) represents the height of the loading dock \(x\) - \(b\) represents the base of the ramp (19 feet) - \(c\) represents the length of the ramp (20 feet) Applying the values to the Pythagorean theorem: \[x^2 + 19^2 = 20^2\] First, calculate: \[19^2 = 361\] \[20^2 = 400\] So, \[x^2 + 361 = 400\] Isolate \(x^2\) by subtracting 361 from 400: \[x^2 = 400 - 361\] \[x^2 = 39\] Solving for \(x\): \[x = \sqrt{39}\] \[x ≈ 6.24\] **Answer:** The height of the loading dock is approximately 6.24 feet.
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