Question

The formula that relates the length of a ladder, L, that leans against a wall with distance d from the base of the wall and the height h that the ladder reaches up the wall is L = StartRoot d squared + h squared EndRoot. What height on the wall will a 15-foot ladder reach if it is placed 3.5 feet from the base of a wall?

A)14.6 feet
B)15.4 feet

Answer 1

Use L^2 = d^2 + h^2, so h = sqrt(L^2 − d^2) = sqrt(15^2 − 3.5^2) = sqrt(225 − 12.25) = sqrt(212.75) ≈ 14.6 ft.

Answer: A) 14.6 feet.