Question

Ricky Bobby and Betty Sue are getting ready to hang some artwork on a wall. They have a 15 foot ladder that

they will lean against a vertical wall. To be safe the base (bottom) of the ladder must be 4 feet from the wall
How far up the wall will the ladder reach? Include a diagram with labels to show this situation, as well as all
calculations.
Can someone help me!

Answer 1

Using pythagoras theorem as the wall is vertical,

perpendicular² = 15² - 4²

or, p² = 225 - 16

or ,p² = 209

so, p =

`√(209)`

p = 14.46(approx.)

The ladder will reach approximately 14.46 ft. up the wall.