How far is it from the lighthouse to the ship horizontally if the lighthouse is 20 ft tall and shines a beam to the ship 25 ft long?
Also, which statement is correct?
(1 point)
x = 225 feet; the distance from the lighthouse to the ship must be the longest distance
x = approximately 24.5 yards; from the top of the lighthouse to the boat must be the shortest distance
x = 15 ft; the distance from the lighthouse to the ship must be the shortest distance
x = 15ft the distance from the top of the lighthouse to the ship must be the longest distance
To find the horizontal distance from the lighthouse to the ship, we use the Pythagorean theorem:
x^2 = 25^2 - 20^2
x^2 = 625 - 400
x^2 = 225
x = √225
x = 15 ft
Therefore, the correct statement is:
x = 15 ft; the distance from the lighthouse to the ship must be the shortest distance.