By using the Pythagorean theorem, we know that the distance between the rooftops of the two buildings is 20ft.
The Pythagorean theorem, also known as Pythagoras' theorem, is a basic relationship between a right triangle's three sides in Euclidean geometry.
According to this statement, the areas of the squares on the other two sides add up to the area of the square whose side is the hypotenuse.
So, draw a figure of the 2 buildings as follows:
(Refer to the image attached below)
Now, we know that we can get the distance between the rooftops using the Pythagorean theorem.
Pythagorean theorem: c² = a² + b²
Now, insert the values and calculate as follows:
c² = a² + b²
c² = 12² + 16²
c² = 144 + 256
c² = 400
c = √400
c = 20ft
Therefore, by using the Pythagorean theorem, we know that the distance between the rooftops of the two buildings is 20ft.
Know more about the Pythagorean theorem here:
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