A lizard needs to stay a safe distance from a cactus. The diameter of the cactus is 12 inches. If the lizard is 8 inches from a point of tangency, find the direct distance between the lizard and the cactus (x). If necessary, round to the hundredths place.
Answer:
10 in
Step-by-step explanation:
We are given that
Diameter of cactus=d=12 in
Radius of cactus=\(\frac{d}{2}=\frac{12}{2}=6 in\)
Distance of lizard from point of tangency=8 in
We have to find the direct distance between lizard and cactus.
In triangle OAB,
OA=6 in
AB=8 in
Pythagorous theorem: \((Hypotenuse)^2=(base)^2+(perpendicular\;side)^2\)
Using pythagorous theorem
\(OB^2=(6)^2+(8)^2=100\)
\(OB=\sqrt{100}=10 in\)
Hence, the direct distance of lizard from cactus=10 in