During a gale a maypole was broken in such a manner that it struck the ground at a distance twenty feet from the base of the pole.

It was repaired and later broke a second time at a point five feet lower. This time it struck the ground thirty-five feet from the base.

What was the original height of the pole?

I assume that when it breaks, the two pieces and the ground
make a right triangle. Let L denote the original height of
the pole and H the height of the first break. Then

     (L-H)^2 = H^2 + 20^2

     [(L-H)+5]^2 = (H-5)^2 + 35^2

Solving for L gives 82.5 feet.

Posted by Bractals on 2006-05-01 15:33:54