We first approach this problem by illustrating the situation. Refer to the diagram attached.
From the diagram, we can clearly see that we need to simply solve for the length marked x in order to find the distance between the foot of the ladder to the base of the wall.
Remember SOHCAHTOA. We can apply here the concept of cosine since we have the angle. Incorporationg x into the equation, we can simply make use of the relation cosine 72° = adjacent/hypotenuse.


ANSWER: The distance between the foot of the ladder and the base of the wall is 4.6 feet.
The vertical asymptotes are: "
x = 3" and "
x = -3" .
__________________________________________The horizontal asymptote is: "
y = 2" .
___________________________________________Explanation:___________________________________________f(x) =

;
We know that "(x² − 9) ≠ 0 ; since we cannot divide by "0" ; so the "denominator" in the fraction cannot be "0" ;
since: 9 − 9 = 0 ; "x² " cannot equal 9.
So, what values for "x" exist when "x = 9" ?
x² = 9 ;
Take the square root of EACH SIDE of the equation ; to isolate "x" on one side of the <span>equation ; and</span> to solve for "x" ;
√(x²) = √9 ;
x = ± 3
<span>
__________________________________________So; the vertical asymptotes are: "x = 3" and "x = -3" .
__________________________________________The horizontal asymptote is: "y = 2" .
__________________________________________(since: We have: </span>f(x) =

;
The "x² / x² " as the highest degree polymonials; both with "implied" coefficients of "1" ; and both raised to the same exponential power of "2".