You are here:

Geometry/Basic Trig - 2 Wires

Advertisement

Expert: Azeem Hussain - 6/15/2009


Question
A pole is used to support an observation platform. The top of the pole is secured by two wires, one 18 and the other 21 feet in length. The 18 foot wire makes a 65 degree angle with the ground. How far apart, are the two wires at the points anchored to the ground?

Answer
Hi Armineh,

Assuming the pole is perpendicular to the ground, the pole and its two supporting wires comprise two right triangles.  The pole's height is the height of both triangles and the wires are the two hypotenuses.

Begin by using basic trigonometry to find the height of the pole.  The height will be 18sin65.

Knowing the height of the pole and the length of the wires, you can find the base measurements by the Pythagorean Theorem.

Thanks for asking,
Azeem

Geometry

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Azeem Hussain

Expertise

I can answer mostly any kind of question dealing with of Math 536 and below, my forte being in parabolic functions and analytical geometry.

Experience

Drop-in tutor at Champlain College since 2010. I am neither a professor nor a teacher of this subject. I am merely a student who is good at mathematics and enjoys being of service to his community. I frequently tutor people in math and the results are usually great.

Education/Credentials
Presently enrolled in Materials Engineering at McGill University. Diploma of Collegiate Studies; Pure and Applied Science, Champlain College Saint-Lambert. Diploma of Secondary Studies from Chambly Academy High School. Being a Quebecer, I am fluent in English and French and can respond to questions easily in both languages.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.