Math Problem Statement

a person is flying a kite. The kite is attached to a string on length 24m. One end of the string is held 1.5 m above the ground. The horizontal distance between the person and the kite is 18 m. Find the height of the kite above the ground.

A person is flying a kite. The kite is attached to a string of length 24m. One end of the string is held 1.5 m above the ground. The horizontal distance between the person and the kite is 18 m. Find the height of the kite above the ground.

Solution

To solve the problem of finding the height of the kite above the ground:

Step-by-Step Solution:

  1. Understand the Triangle: The setup forms a right triangle:

    • Hypotenuse (cc) = 24 m (length of the string),
    • Adjacent side (bb) = 18 m (horizontal distance),
    • Opposite side (aa) = height of the kite above the point where the person is holding the string.
  2. Height Above the Person's Hand: Use the Pythagorean theorem: c2=a2+b2c^2 = a^2 + b^2 Substituting known values: 242=a2+18224^2 = a^2 + 18^2 576=a2+324576 = a^2 + 324 a2=576324=252a^2 = 576 - 324 = 252 a=25215.87ma = \sqrt{252} \approx 15.87 \, \text{m}

    This is the height of the kite above the person’s hand.

  3. Add the Height of the Person’s Hand: The total height of the kite above the ground is: Total height=a+height of the person’s hand\text{Total height} = a + \text{height of the person's hand} Total height=15.87+1.5=17.37m\text{Total height} = 15.87 + 1.5 = 17.37 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The height of the kite above the ground is approximately 17.37 meters.

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Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How does the Pythagorean theorem apply in real-life situations like this one?
  2. What would the height be if the string length were longer or shorter?
  3. How would you calculate the angle of elevation of the kite?
  4. Could trigonometric functions like sine or cosine be used to solve this problem?
  5. How can the accuracy of these measurements be verified?

Tip: Always consider whether additional elements (like wind affecting the string) might create deviations in real-world calculations!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Pythagorean Theorem
Right-Angle Triangles
Square Roots

Formulas

c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 8-10