Question

a 20 foot latter will be used to paint the exterior of a house. The foot of the latter needs to be 4.5 feet from the base of the house. What is the maximum height the ladder will reach?

Answer 1

h^2 = 20^2 - 4.5^2

Answer 2

This is a problem for Pythagoras.

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

4.5^2 + b^2 = 20^2

20.25 + b^2 = 400

b^2 = 379.75

b = 19.5