Question

A ladder leans against a building, making a 70° angle of elevation with the ground. The top of the ladder reaches a point on the building that is 39 feet above the ground.

To the nearest tenth of a foot, what is the distance between the base of the building and the base of the ladder?

Question 4 options:

13.3 ft


14.2 ft


36.6 ft


41.5 ft

Answer 1

14.2feet

Explanation:

Given the following

Angle of elevation = 70degrees

Height of the building from the ground = 39feet (opposite)

Required

distance between the base of the building and the base of the ladder (adjacent)

Using the SOH CAH TOA identity

Tan theta = opp/adj

Tan 70 = 39/d

d = 39/tan 70

d = 39/2.7475

d = 14.2

Hence the distance between the base of the building and the base of the ladder is 14.2feet