Question

Find the height a 17-foot ladder can reach on the side of a building when it

hits the ground at a 65° angle.
A. 7.2 ft
B. 15.4 ft
C. 36.5 ft
D. 48 ft
E 224 ft

SHOW EXPLANATION

Answer 1

B. 15.4 ft

Explanation:

this answer, without any formulas used, can be answered correctly and logically.

answer c, d and e are eliminated as the opposite side cant be greater than the hypotenuse.

now we have to find which is correct between a and b

the answer will be 'B' as the value of sine of an angle keeps increasing as the angle itself increases. thus, giving a bigger value of the opposite side (required height). as 15.4 ft.

mathematically,

sin65° = x/17

17 × sin65° = x

where x is height of the side of the building.