Pythagorean Theorem:
13^2 + 10^2 = L^2
169 + 100 = L^2
269 = L^2
16.4 = L
A building is 2ft from a 9ft fence that surrounds the property. A worker wants to wash a window in the building 13ft from the ground. he plans to place a ladder over the fence so it rests against the building. he decides he should place the ladder 8ft from the fence for stability. to the neares tenth of a foot, how long a ladder will he need?
2 answers
Since the fence is mentioned, you really should check to see that the ladder will clear the fence. Using the given distances, and similar triangles, if the ladder lies on top of the fence, it will reach up to a height h, found by
9/8 = h/10
h = 12.5
In this case, the ladder clears the fence, since it is reaching up 13 ft.
Of course, in the real world, if I wanted to wash a window 13 ft up, I'd place the ladder a few feet below the window, so I don't have to bend down to wash the bottom, or lie along the ladder.
9/8 = h/10
h = 12.5
In this case, the ladder clears the fence, since it is reaching up 13 ft.
Of course, in the real world, if I wanted to wash a window 13 ft up, I'd place the ladder a few feet below the window, so I don't have to bend down to wash the bottom, or lie along the ladder.
2 answers