The distance between the building and the base of the ladder is 5√3 feet.
<u>Step-by-step explanation</u>:
<u>Consider a right angle triangle</u>,
- Hypotenuse = Paula leaned a 10 ft ladder against a building.
- Height = the top of the ladder is exactly 5 feet up in the building.
- Base = 'x' ft, distance between the building and the base of the ladder.
<u>From the Pythagorean theorem</u>,
Base, x =
⇒ x =
⇒ x =
⇒ x =
⇒ x = 5√3
The distance between the building and the base of the ladder is 5√3 feet.