121k views
4 votes
The triangles formed by two ladders leaning against a wall are similar. How long is the shorter ladder?

The triangles formed by two ladders leaning against a wall are similar. How long is-example-1

1 Answer

2 votes

To solve this problem we must use proportions


\begin{gathered} \text{ }(x)/(8)\text{ = }(42)/(24) \\ \text{ x = }\frac{8\text{ x 42}}{24} \\ \text{ x = }(336)/(24) \\ \text{ x = 14} \end{gathered}

The length of the shortest ladder is 14.

letter B is the correct answer.

User JasonSmith
by
4.3k points