Chapter 6, Problem 5RP

To determine

To calculate whether or not the pole is perpendicular to the ground.

Answer to Problem 5RP

Yes, the pole is perpendicular to the ground

Explanation of Solution

Given information : The following information has been given

Height of the pole is $48ft$

Length of the rope is $60ft$

Distance from pole is $36ft$

Let us assume that the pole is perpendicular. Thus, the Pythagoras theorem should work for it knowing that it works for all right triangles. Hence, we substitute the given values, with $60ft$ as the hypotenuse in $a^2+b^2=c^2$ . Hence, we get

  ${48}^2+{36}^2={60}^2$

Thus, the given equation holds true for the given values. Hence, we can say that the triangle was correctly assumed to be perpendicular.