Answer: 26 in.
Step-by-step explanation:
Given
Heights of Poles are [tex]12\ in., 22\ in.[/tex]
distance between them is [tex]x=24\ in.[/tex]
the difference in heights of the pole is [tex]y=22-12=10\ in.[/tex]
From the figure, using Pythagoras theorem, distance L is given by
[tex]\Rightarrow L^2=y^2+x^2\\\Rightarrow L^2=10^2+24^2\\\Rightarrow L^2=100+576=676\\\Rightarrow L=\sqrt{676}=26\ in.[/tex]
The distance between tops is 26 in.
