Math Problem Statement

A communications tower is located at the top of a steep hill, as shown. A guy-wire is to be attached to the top of the tower and to the ground, 165 m downhill from the base of the tower. The height of the tower is 80 m, how long is the guy-wire?

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use the Pythagorean theorem since this forms a right triangle. Here's how we can break it down:

  • The height of the tower is one leg of the right triangle, which is 80 m.
  • The horizontal distance from the base of the tower to where the guy-wire meets the ground is the other leg, which is 165 m.
  • The guy-wire is the hypotenuse of the triangle, which we are trying to find.

Using the Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2 where:

  • a=80ma = 80 \, \text{m} (height of the tower),
  • b=165mb = 165 \, \text{m} (horizontal distance from the tower base),
  • cc is the length of the guy-wire.

Now, substitute the known values: 802+1652=c280^2 + 165^2 = c^2 6400+27225=c26400 + 27225 = c^2 33625=c233625 = c^2 To find cc, take the square root of both sides: c=33625183.5mc = \sqrt{33625} \approx 183.5 \, \text{m}

So, the length of the guy-wire is approximately 183.5 meters.

Would you like further explanation or have any questions on this? Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. What would happen if the distance downhill was shorter, say 100 meters?
  2. How would you adjust the height of the tower if the guy-wire needs to be exactly 200 meters long?
  3. Can we apply the Pythagorean theorem to more complex structures involving more wires?
  4. How does the angle of the guy-wire relate to the dimensions of the triangle?
  5. What if the ground was not flat, but instead curved? Would the Pythagorean theorem still work?

Tip: Always check the units you're using in word problems to make sure they are consistent across the problem, and remember to square both numbers when using the Pythagorean theorem!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Geometry
Pythagorean Theorem
Right Triangles

Formulas

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9