SOLUTION: a painter leans a 20 foot ladder against a wall. The top of the ladder is 16 feet above the ground. How far is the bottom of the ladder from the wall?

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: a painter leans a 20 foot ladder against a wall. The top of the ladder is 16 feet above the ground. How far is the bottom of the ladder from the wall?      Log On


   

Question 361292: a painter leans a 20 foot ladder against a wall. The top of the ladder is 16 feet above the ground. How far is the bottom of the ladder from the wall?
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a^2+b^2=c^2
a=16, c=20
256+b^2=400
b^2=144
b=12' dist of ladder from wall.
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Ed