Question

A 12-foot ladder rests against a brick wall at angle of 60°. Which expression gives the value of x, the height on the brick wall where the ladder rests?

Answer 1

12 sin60°

Remember SOHCAHTOA.

sinθ =

opposite

hypotenuse

sin60° =

x

12

x = 12 sin60°

Answer 2

Using Pythagorean's Theorem we know that a^2 + b^2 = c^2

C is the length of the ladder, and we are given one of the sides, let's call that side b

_________

we have a^2 + b^2 = c^2, and a^2 = c^2 - b^2, so a = √ c^2 - b^2

_________ ______ ____

a = √12^2-3^2 = √ 144-9 = √ 135 = 11.61895

so the top of the ladder is 11.6 feet above the ground

here u go hope this helps