To find the length of the cable needed to support the volleyball net post, we can use the Pythagorean theorem, as we have a right triangle formed by the height of the hook and the distance from the base of the post to the hook in the floor.
- The height of the hook above the court surface: 4 ft
- The distance from the base of the post to the hook in the floor: 3 ft
Using the Pythagorean theorem:
\[ c = \sqrt{a^2 + b^2} \]
where \( a \) is the height (4 ft) and \( b \) is the distance from the base (3 ft):
\[ c = \sqrt{(4)^2 + (3)^2} \] \[ c = \sqrt{16 + 9} \] \[ c = \sqrt{25} \] \[ c = 5 \text{ ft} \]
Therefore, the cable should be 5 ft long.