Question

Two poles of heights 13 m and 18m stand on a plane ground. If the distance between their feet is 12m, find the distance between their tops.

Answer 1

Let AB and CE be two poles respectively. For more see the above diagram.

In ∆ ADC, Using Pythagoras Theorem

${AC}^{2} = {CD}^{2} + {AD}^{2} \\ {AC}^{2} = {5}^{2} + {12}^{2} \\ {AC}^{2} = 25 + 144 \\ {AC}^{2} = 169 \\ {AC}^{2} = {13}^{2} \\AC=13$

So , the distance between their poles is 13 m.