Using the Pythagorean theorem (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) where a = 5 ft., b = distance from the ground to where the ladder reaches the wall, and c = 12 ft. (the length of the ladder).
5^2 + b^2 = 12^2
25 + b^2 = 144
b^2 = 144 - 25
b^2 = 119
b = sqrt(119)
b ≈ 10.9 ft.
Therefore, the ladder reaches the wall at approximately 10.9 feet from the ground.
The bottom of a ladder must be placed 5 ft. from a wall. The ladder is 12 feet long.
Based on the diagram, what is the distance in feet from the ground that the ladder reaches the wall? Round to the nearest tenth.
1 answer