SOLUTION: A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 12 feet. Find the length of the ladder if the length is 8 feet more than its distance from

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Question 325365: A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 12 feet. Find the length of the ladder if the length is 8 feet more than its distance from the wall
i want too show u how i did this problem and please tell me if something wrong i hope im on the right track
(x+8)^2=x^2+12^2
(x+8)^2=x^2+144
(x+8)^2x^2-144=0
16*x-80=0
x=5
5 feet

Answer by nerdybill(7384)   (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = distance from wall
then
x+8 = length of the ladder
.
(x+8)^2=x^2+12^2
(x+8)^2=x^2+144
(x+8)(x+8) = x^2+144
x^2+16x+64 = x^2+144
16x+64 = 144
16x = 80
x = 5 feet
.
But, remember, x is the distance from the wall
the length of the ladder is:
x+8 = 5+8 = 13 feet

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