Final answer:
To find the total number of rungs, convert the length of the ladder to inches and divide by the spacing between rungs. The 54 3/4 foot ladder is equivalent to 657 inches. Dividing by the 9-inch spacing between rungs, there are 73 rungs on the ladder.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the total number of rungs on the ladder, we need to determine how many times 9 inches (the spacing between the rungs) goes into 54 feet and ¾ of a foot (the total length of the ladder). First, we need to convert the length of the ladder to inches, since the spacing between the rungs is given in inches.
There are 12 inches in a foot, so:
- 54 feet x 12 inches/foot = 648 inches
- ¾ of a foot is 9 inches, since there are 12 inches in a foot (¾ x 12 inches/foot).
Adding the length in inches:
648 inches + 9 inches = 657 inches (total length of the ladder in inches)
Next, we divide the total length of the ladder by the spacing between the rungs:
657 inches ÷ 9 inches/rung = 73 rungs
Since there is a rung at the very top and bottom, we do not need to add an additional rung, so the total number of rungs is 73.