Solve the problem.
-On a sunny day, a tree and its shadow form the sides of a right triangle. If the hypotenuse is 40 meters long and the tree is 32 meters tall, how long is the shadow?
A)51 m
B)72 m
C)64 m
D)24 m

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Using the Pythagorean theorem, $a^2 + b^2 = c^2$, where $a$ is the height of the tree, $b$ is the length of the shadow, and $c$ is the hypotenuse. Plugging in the given values, $32^2 + b^2 = 40^2$. Solving for $b$, we find $b = 24$ meters.

Solve the Problem. -On a Sunny Day, a Tree and Its Shadow Form