Finding the Velocity of a Hang Glider: Where to Start?

[metalmagik]

The altitude of a hang glider is increasing at a rate of 6.75 m/s. At the same time, the shadow of the glider moves along the ground at a speed of 17.0 m/s when the sun is directly overhead. Find the magnitude of the glider's velocity.

I drew this diagram all out and I still cannot understand the concept of this. I don't understand...I could figure this out if I was given an angle at wihch the hang glider was traveling...but since I am not i do not know how to figure this out. Where can I start? any help please??

 

[OlderDan]

Effectively, you have been given both the vertical and horizontal velocity. That is all you need. Knowing both of these, you could find the angle if you needed to.

 

[metalmagik]

AH thanks I didnt need the angle but that got me to thinking about how to get it and i realized to use pythagorean theorem. THANKS!