SOLUTION: A ladder that is 17 feet long is 8 feet from the base of a wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?

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Question 1059316: A ladder that is 17 feet long is 8 feet from the base of a wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?

Found 2 solutions by josgarithmetic, MathTherapy:
Answer by josgarithmetic(39617) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
y up the wall; right triangle of hypotenuse 17 and one leg, along the ground, 8.

y%5E2%2B8%5E2=17%5E2

y%5E2=225

y=15

Answer by MathTherapy(10552) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!

A ladder that is 17 feet long is 8 feet from the base of a wall. How far up the wall does the ladder reach?
This scenario represents a right-triangle, with sides of 8-15-17, or what is known as a Pythagorean triple. 
Thus, missing side is: highlight_green%2815%29
It's that simple......nothing COMPLEX!