SOLUTION: An 18-foot ladder is placed 6 feet from the wall. Approximately how high does the ladder reach?

Question 186616: An 18-foot ladder is placed 6 feet from the wall. Approximately how high does the ladder reach?
Answer by nerdybill(7384) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
An 18-foot ladder is placed 6 feet from the wall. Approximately how high does the ladder reach?
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Draw a diagram of the problem, it'll help you "see" the solution easier.
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Basically, you have a right-triangle so you can apply Pythagorean theorem:
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Let h = height the ladder reaches
then
h^2 + 6^2 = 18^2
h^2 = 18^2 - 6^2
h^2 = 324 - 36
h^2 = 288
h = sqrt(288)
h = 16.97 feet

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