Word problem

Question

A searchlight is 520ft from a wall and its beam reaches a point 35ft up up the wall. What is the length of the beam?

Answer 1

Hi Brittany, lets try this equation:

 C^2 = A^2 + B^2

 

C=520  

B=?

A=35

                   520^2=35^2 +B^2    

 

                270,400  =1225 +b^2

                  -1225       -1225  +b^2

                __________________________

                  269,175    =     b^2

 

          B= Sqrt(269,175)

 

            B=518.82  (Length of the beam)