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?
(In reply to
Mayday! Mayday! by Jyqm)
Jyqm your answer is correct but if you look closely you need the total height of the pole(x+y) not individual x and y.
its a lot easier to do
400 + x^2 = y^2
1225 + x^2 - 10x +25 = y^2 +10y +25
1225 + x^2 - 10x +25 = 400 + x^2 +10y +25
=> 825 -10x = 10y
=>10(x+y)=825
x + y =82.5
that is the exact height of the maypole. not just approx.
re: Mayday! Mayday!
