We form a rt. triangle:
X = 1 m. = Hor. side.
Y = 4 m. = Ver. side.
Z = Hyp. = Length of the ladder.
Z^2 = X^2 + Y^2
Z^2 = 1^2 + 4^2 = 17
Z = 4.1 m.
A fence that is 4 metres tall runs parallel to a tall building at a distance
of 1 metre from the building. What is the length of the shortest ladder
that will reach from the ground over the fence to the wall of the building?
1 answer