To solve this problem, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. The ladder, the side of the house, and the distance Nicole pulls the ladder each form a right triangle.
Let the distance the ladder reaches up the side of the house be x feet.
Using the Pythagorean theorem, we have:
(45 + 4)^2 = 27^2 + x^2
49^2 = 729 + x^2
2401 = 729 + x^2
x^2 = 2401 - 729
x^2 = 1672
x ≈ 40.9 feet
Therefore, if Nicole pulls the ladder 4 feet farther from the house, the ladder will reach approximately 40.9 feet up the side of the house.
A 45 foot ladder is set against the side of a house so that it reaches up 27 feet. If Nicole grabs the ladder at its base and pulls it 4 feet farther from the house, how far up the side of the house will the ladder reach now? (The answer is not 23 ft.) Round to the nearest tenth of a foot.
1 answer