SOLUTION: A 15-foot ladder is leaning against a wall. If the top of the ladder is 14.5 feet up the wall, how far is the base of the ladder on the ground from the wall? Round to the nearest t

Algebra ->  Pythagorean-theorem -> SOLUTION: A 15-foot ladder is leaning against a wall. If the top of the ladder is 14.5 feet up the wall, how far is the base of the ladder on the ground from the wall? Round to the nearest t      Log On


   

Question 856368: A 15-foot ladder is leaning against a wall. If the top of the ladder is 14.5 feet up the wall, how far is the base of the ladder on the ground from the wall? Round to the nearest tenth.
Answer by mananth(16946) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
The ladder,the floor & the wall form a right triangle.
The base is one leg Leg 2 The height is the other leg leg1
The ladder acts as the hypotenuse
Pythagoras theorem

(Hyp)^2= (leg1)^2+ Leg2^2
Hypotenuse = 15 ft
leg1= 14.5 ft
Leg2= ?

leg2^2=hyp^2-leg1^2
Leg2^2= 15 ^2 - 14.5 ^2
Leg2^2= 225 - 210.25
Leg2^2= 14.75
Leg2= sqrt%28%0914.75%09%29
Leg2= 3.84 ft