Question

Two poles of heights 6 m and 11 m stand on a plane ground. If the distance between the feet of the poles is 12 m, find the distance between their tops.

Two poles of heights 6 m and 11 m stand on a plane ground. If the distance between their feet is 12 m, find the distance between their tops.

Answer 1

Let CD and AB be the poles of height 11 m and 6 m.

Therefore, CP = 11 − 6 = 5 m

From the figure, it can be observed that AP = 12 m

Applying Pythagoras theorem for ΔAPC, we obtain

AP² + PC² = AC²

(12 m)² + (5 m)² = (AC)²

AC² = (144 + 25) m² = 169 m²

AC = 13 m

Therefore, the distance between their tops is 13 m.