Question

A tree is struck by lightning. The top part breaks and falls to the ground. The part of the tree still standing is 30 feet tall and the top part that hit the ground is 40 feet from the base of the tree. How tall was the tree originally?

Answer 1

Assuming that the 40 is the length that fell and not its distance from the tree,

30 +40 = ?

Answer 2

30 squared + 40 squared = x squared
900 + 1600 = x squared
2500 = x squared
Therefore, x = root 2500
X= 50 feet