SOLUTION: I am unable to figure out how to set up this problem. "A ladder that is 17 feet long is 8 feet from the base of a wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?"

Algebra ->  Algebra  -> Human-and-algebraic-language -> SOLUTION: I am unable to figure out how to set up this problem. "A ladder that is 17 feet long is 8 feet from the base of a wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?"      Log On

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Question 568495: I am unable to figure out how to set up this problem. "A ladder that is 17 feet long is 8 feet from the base of a wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?"
Answer by richard1234(5390) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Pythagorean theorem

8^2 + x^2 = 17^2

x = 15

Or if you recall the 8-15-17 right triangle, the answer is 15 ft.