a 16-foot ladder is leaning against a house and is 2 feet away from the foundation of the house. How high up will the ladder reach?

Answer 1

2^2 + h^2 = 16^2

4 + h^2 = 256

h^2 = 252

h = 15.87 ft

By the way that ladder is dangerously steep.

Answer 2

Pythagorean Theorem:

a^2 + b^2 = c^2

2^2 + b^2 = 16^2
4 + b^2 = 256
b^2 = 252
b = 15.87 feet