Answer:
h = 7.63 ft
Step-by-step explanation:
When a ladder leans against a wall, it forms a right angled triangle. The length of the ladder becomes the hypotenuse of the triangle, while the distance of the bottom of ladder from the wall and the height of top of the ladder from the ground becomes the perpendicular and base, depending upon the selected angle. Using Pythagora's Theorem in this right angled triangle:
Hypotenuse² = Perpendicular² + Base²
where,
Hypotenuse = Length of Ladder = 16 ft
Base = Distance between bottom of ladder and wall = x
Perpendicular = Height of top of of the ladder from ground = x + 6 ft
Therefore,
(16)² = x² + (x + 6)²
256 = x² + x² + 12x + 36
128 = x² + 6x + 18
x² + 6x - 110 = 0
solving the quadratic equation and using positive value:
x = 1.63 ft
So, the height of top of ladder is:
h = 1.63 ft + 6 ft
<u>h = 7.63 ft</u>
