Question

A 12-foot ladder is leaned against a wall so that it is 5 feet from the base of the wall. You’re hoping the ladder rests at least 11 feet high on the wall in order to avoid some paintings and such that are hung up currently. Does the ladder reach high enough? Justify mathematically.

Answer 1

no

Explanation:

a^2 +b^2 = c^2

c^2 - a^2 = b^2

12^2 - 5^2 = b^2

144-25 = b^2

199 = b^2

sqrt(119) = b

10.9 = b

a = distance from the wall = 5

c = length of the ladder = 12