Question

A ladder that is 20 feet long leans against the wall of a building such that its base makes a 62 degree angle with the ground. Determine the height, h, that the ladder reaches up the wall. Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

Answer 1

17.7 ft

Explanation:

A ladder that is 20 feet long leans against the wall of a building such that its base makes a 62 degree angle with the ground. Determine the height, h, that the ladder reaches up the wall. Round your answer to the nearest tenth of a foot.

We solve using the Trigonometric function of sin

sin = Opposite/Hypotenuse

Opposite = Height = ?

Hypotenuse = Length of the ladder = 20 ft

Hence:

sin 62 = h/20 ft

Cross Multiply

h = sin 62 × 20 ft

h = 17.658951857 ft

Approximately = 17.7 ft