Question

A 10 meter ladder was placed on an angle. The base of the ladder is 5 meters away from the

building along the ground.
Write an equation to determine the height, h, of the building.

Answer 1

To determine the height we will use a² = b²+c²

(10m)²= (5m)²+(h)²

<=> 100m²=25m²+h²

<=> 100m²-25m²=75m²=h²

<=> √ 75m² = h = 8,660m

Answer 2

5^2 + h^2 = 10^2

Explanation:

This is a clear example of the Pythagorean Theorem, a relation of all sides in a right triangle. The equation itself is a^2 + b^2 = c^2. By simply plugging in the given values into the triangle, you would get the answer.