9

Set 4: Triangles

Explanation

Answer: B

A support cable runs from the top of a 72-kilometers tall tower to the ground, anchored 21 kilometers from the base. How long is the cable?

A.

85

B.

75

✓ Correct
C.

37

D.

65

Detailed Explanation

Choice B is correct. Using the Pythagorean theorem: a2+b2=c2a^2 + b^2 = c^2 1. Given values: 21 and 72 Calculate: 212+722=441+5184=562521^2 + 72^2 = 441 + 5184 = 5625 Take square root: 5625=75\sqrt{5625} = 75 Therefore, the answer is 75 kilometers.

Key Steps:

The correct answer is 75

Why others are wrong:
A: This would give an incorrect result. Choice A is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
C: This would give an incorrect result. Choice C is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.
D: This would give an incorrect result. Choice D is incorrect and may result from a calculation error.

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