If you find the discriminant it will tell you the number and types of roots. The discriminant is the value b^2 -4ac. a = 1 b = 1 c = 1 1^2 - 4*1*1 1-4 = -3 Since this is a negative number there will be 2 complex roots.
If you're trying to find the missing side of the "triangle" (the distance from the house to where the ladder touches the ground), you would use the pythagorean theorem, a²+b²=c². (c is always hypotenuse)
