Question

5. An extension ladder is extended 32 feet to rest

against a wall. The bottom of the ladder is 6 feet
from the base of the wall, as shown.
32 ft.
Which of the following is closest to the distance
from the top of the ladder to the base of the wall?

Answer 1

Option A

Explanation:

As shown in the figure ABC,

AC = Length of the ladder

BC = Distance between the base of the ladder and the wall

AB = Distance from the top of the ladder and the base of the wall

By applying Pythagoras theorem in the given right triangle ΔABC,

AC² = AB² + BC²

(32)² = h² + (6.5)²

h² = 1024 - 42.25

h = √(981.75)

h = 31.33

h ≈ 31 feet

Therefore, Option A will be the correct option.