Question

A tree is broken by wind. The top strikes the ground at 20m from the root. If the tree is broken at a height of 21m, what was the total height of the tree before it broke?

Answer 1

The given values are wrong , can you please check it. I've tried but I am not getting a valid answer. THANK YOU

Answer 2

Answer: 50m

Step-by-step explanation:

Let AB be the height of the tree and length of the broken part of the tree is x meters.

Then, AC = 21m and CD = CB = x

In Traingle DAC by Pythagoras theorem,

CD^2 = AC^2 + AD^2  (x)

2 = (212 + 202 ) m^2

= (441 + 400) m^2 = 841m^2 = (29m)^2 .

x = 29m

Total height of the tree = 29m + 21m = 50m

Therefore, original height of the tree = 50m