Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Triangle ABC is a right angle triangle. It is made up of two right angle triangles.
Considering the smaller right angle triangle,
AB represents the hypotenuse
The distance from B to the base, AC represents the opposite side.
To determine y, we would apply Pythagoras theorem which is expressed as
Hypotenuse² = opposite side² + adjacent side²
15² = 12² + y²
225 = 144 + y²
y² = 225 - 144 = 81
y = √81 = 9
Considering the bigger right angle triangle,
BC represents the hypotenuse
The distance from B to the base, AC represents the opposite side.
To determine z, we would apply Pythagoras theorem which is expressed as
Hypotenuse² = opposite side² + adjacent side²
20² = 12² + z²
400 = 144 + z²
z² = 400 - 144 = 256
z = √256 = 16
