Question

Use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve the given problem. Hint: Draw a picture or diagram.

The top of a ladder is touching a point on a wall that is twelve feet above the ground. If the base of the ladder is three feet from the wall how long is the ladder?

Answer 1

√153 (approximately 12.37 feet)

Explanation:

Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c²

a and b are the sides of the right triangle, while c is the hypotenuse.

Here, you are looking for the hypotenuse.

12² + 3² = c²

144 + 9 = c²

c² = 153

c = √153