Question

A tree 32 m high broke at a point 7 m
above the ground but did not separate.
Its top touched the ground. At what
distance is the top of the tree from its
bottom?
​

Answer 1

Hypotenuse = (32-7)m = 25 m

Perpendicular = 7 m

Base = ?

h² = b² + p²

or 25² = b² + 7²

or b² = 25² - 7² = 576 = (24)²

or b = 24

distance of top of the tree from its bottom = 24 m

Answer 2

$\sqrt{25 {}^{2} - 7 {}^{2} } = \sqrt{625 - 49} = \sqrt{576 } = 24$