Word problem: Find length of guywire, given height, distance

[sbates]

Hi,
How do I put this down on paper? I have to show my work and I am not really sure how to do it. The answer is =21.541 ft. The equal sign is suppose to be squiggly and I am not sure how to do that either. Here is the word problem: How long must a guywire be to run from the top of a 20-ft pole to a point on the ground 8-ft from the base of the pole?

Thank you for your help.

 

[skeeter]

ever used the Pythagorean theorem?

\(\displaystyle \L \sqrt{20^2 + 8^2} \approx 21.541\)

 

[sbates]

Reply to

Yes, I have and I totally forgot. Thank you for reminding me.