1. Represent percentages as the number divided by 100. So 25% becomes 0.25. <span>2. Change the word "is" to "=" </span> <span>3. Change the word "of" to a multiplication sign. </span>
<span>So "15 is 25% of what number" </span>
<span>becomes </span>
<span>15 = 0.25x (Where x is the number you are trying to solve for). </span>
<span>In this simple algebra equation, x = 15/.25 = 60.</span>
This is the concept of trigonometry, the distance from the foot of the ladder will be given by: tan theta=[opposite]/[adjacent] opposite=17 ft adjacent=x ft theta=37° thus tan 37=17/x x=17/tan 37 x=22.56 ft =22.6 ft (to the nearest 10th of a foot)
