We can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve this problem. Let's call the length of the cable "x". We have a right triangle formed by the pole, the ground, and the cable. The vertical side of the triangle is the height of the pole (20 ft) and the horizontal side is the distance from the base of the pole to the point where the cable is anchored (10 ft).
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we have:
x^2 = (20 ft)^2 + (10 ft)^2
x^2 = 400 ft^2 + 100 ft^2
x^2 = 500 ft^2
x = √(500) ft
x ≈ 22.4 ft
Therefore, the length of the cable is approximately 22.4 feet.
An electric pole has a support cable that is attached to the pole 20 ft from the ground. The cable is anchored on the ground 10 ft from the base of the pole. How long is the cable? Round to the nearest tenth.
1 answer