Question

The top of a ladder is placed against the side of a house. The ladder is 15ft long and the wall is 12ft high. How far from the wall will the base of the ladder be positioned if the top of the ladder meets the top of the wall.

Answer 1

Answer:

9ft

Step-by-step explanation:

The top of a ladder is placed against the side of a house. The ladder is 15ft long and the wall is 12ft high. How far from the wall will the base of the ladder be positioned if the top of the ladder meets the top of the wall.

We solve this question using Pythagoras Theorem

c² = a² + b²

Height of the wall = Opposite side = b = 12ft

Length of the ladder = Hypotenuse = c = 15ft

Distance between the wall and the base of the Ladder = Adjacent = a

Hence:

15² = a² + 12²

a² = 15² - 12²

a = √15² - 12²

a = √81

a = 9 ft

Therefore, the wall will be 9ft from the base of the ladder , if the top of the ladder meets the top of the wall