Question

A 12-ft ladder is leaning on a building. If the base of the ladder is placed 5 feet from the building, approximately how high does the ladder reach?
A. 13 ft
B. 7 ft
C. 11 ft
D. 14 ft

Answer 1

The answer is C using the Pythagorean theorem, A^2 + B^2 equals C^2.

Answer 2

A^2+b^2=c^2

5^2+b^2=12^2

25+b^2=144

b^2=144-25

b^2=119

SQUARE ROOT BOTH SIDES:

b=10.9

The answer is c.