SOLUTION: If the top edge of a 15ft. Ladder reaches a window 12ft. Above the ground,how far from the house is the ladder placed

Algebra ->  Radicals -> SOLUTION: If the top edge of a 15ft. Ladder reaches a window 12ft. Above the ground,how far from the house is the ladder placed      Log On


   

Question 831387: If the top edge of a 15ft. Ladder reaches a window 12ft. Above the ground,how far from the house is the ladder placed
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 The height is the other leg
The ladder acts as the hypotenuse
Pythagoras theorem

(Hyp)^2= (leg1)^2+ Leg2^2
Hypotenuse = 15 ft
leg1= 12 ft
Leg2= ?

leg2^2=hyp^2-leg1^2
Leg2^2= 15 ^2 - 12 ^2
Leg2^2= 225 - 144
Leg2^2= 81
Leg2= sqrt%28%0981%09%29
Leg2= 9 ft

The ladder touches the wall at a height of 9 ft
m.ananth@hotmail.ca