SOLUTION: New chapter/Homework problem. Set up and Solve equation using the zero-factor property. Word problem. thanks! A ladder forms a right triangle with the ground and one wall of

Question 76287: New chapter/Homework problem. Set up and Solve equation using the zero-factor property. Word problem. thanks!
A ladder forms a right triangle with the ground and one wall of a building. the base of the triangle is 5 feet less than the height. If the area of the triangle is 18 square feet, find the height?
Answer by tutorcecilia(2152) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Use the formula for the area of a triangle:
A=1/2(base)(height)
Area=18
Base=height - 5 feet
Height=h
.
Plug-in the values and solve.
.
A=1/2(base)(height)
18=(1/2)(h-5)(h)
18=(1/2)(h^2-5h)
(2)(18)=(2)(1/2)(h^2-5h)
36=h^2-5h
36-36=h^2-5h-36
0=h^2-5h-36
0=(h-9)(h+4)
h=9
or h=-4 (eliminate this answer since a measurement cannto be a negative number]
.
Check by plugging all of the values back into the original equation:
A=1/2(base)(height)
18=(1/2)(9-5)(9)
18=(1/2)(4)(9)
18=18 [checks out]

RELATED QUESTIONS
please help me with my homework problem. Solve each equation using the zero-factor... (answered by jim_thompson5910)

I'm not really understanding how to set up this factoring equation. The worksheet said to (answered by Theo)

Can someone Solve the equation using the zero factor property? Thanks!... (answered by bucky)

Can someone Solve the equation using the zero factor property? Thanks!... (answered by ankor@dixie-net.com)

Pleas show me how to solve the equation using the zero-factor property. thanks!... (answered by Cintchr)

Please show me how to solve the equation using the Zero-factor property. Thanks!... (answered by tutorcecilia)

The word problem is: "The sum of two numbers is ten. The product of the two numbers is... (answered by drk)

Please solve the equation using the zero-factor property. Thank you... (answered by checkley75)

Solve the equation using the zero factor property.... (answered by rmromero)