Question

To wash a window that is 4 meters off the ground, Rafi leans a 5-meter ladder against the side of the building. To reach the window, how far away from the building should Rafi place the base of the ladder?

Answer 1

Answer:

Base of the ladder is 3 meters away from the building.

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's use Pythagoras theorem to solve.

Pythagoras theorem says,

$a^{2} +b^{2} =c^{2}$

Here let horizontal distance is "a''

Vertical distance of window is 4 m

So, b=4

The Rafi leans 5 m ladder against the wall. So, c=5.

$a^{2} +4^{2} =5^{2}$

Simplify it

$a^{2} +16=25$

Subtract both sides 16

$a^{2} =9$

Take square root on both sides

a=±3

So, base of the ladder is 3 meters away from the building.