This question is based on the Pythagorean theorem. Therefore, 10.81665 feet far from the base of the mast should he attach the end of the light string.
Given:
Randy wants to attach a 21 foot string of lights to the top of the 18 foot mast of his sailboat.
We need to determined the base of the mast should he attach the end of the light string.
According to the question,
By using Pythagorean theorem,
[tex]a^2 + b^2 = c^2[/tex]
Here, it is given that, b = 18 and c = 21.
Putting this value in above formula.
We get,
[tex]a^2 + 18^2 = 21^2[/tex]
[tex]a^2 = 441 - 324\\\\a^2 = 117[/tex]
Square root both sides. We get,
[tex]\sqrt{a^2} = \sqrt{117}[/tex]
a = 10.81665.
Therefore, 10.81665 feet far from the base of the mast should he attach the end of the light string.
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https://brainly.com/question/11843047
