Question

A 13-foot long ladder leans against the wall. the foot of the ladder is at a distance of 5 feet from the base of the wall.

What is the distance, in feet, from the ground to the ladder?

Answer 1

The distance, in feet, from the ground to the ladder is 12 feet.

Explanation:

To answer this question, we must use the Pythagorean Theorem- a^2+b^2=c^2. C is the hypotenuse, and a and b are legs.

We have: 5^2+b^2=13^2

Simplifying: 25+b^2=169

Subtracting 25 from both sides: b^2=144

B=12.