Answer: 8 feet, D
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this, use the Pythagorean Theorem. It states:
![a^{2} +b^{2} =c^{2}](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=a%5E%7B2%7D%20%2Bb%5E%7B2%7D%20%3Dc%5E%7B2%7D)
where A and B are the sides of a triangle and C is the triangle's hypotenuse.
The 17 foot ladder in this situation is your hypotenuse, and you have one side of the triangle: 15.
![15^2 + b^2 = 17^2](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=15%5E2%20%2B%20b%5E2%20%3D%2017%5E2)
15 squared = 225
17 squared = 289
solving for b squared, we get ![b^2 = 64](https://tex.z-dn.net/?f=b%5E2%20%3D%2064)
taking the square root of 64, you get 8 feet, the distance between the house and the base of the ladder.