SOLUTION: I really need help with this question. The base of an 18-ft ladder is 4 ft away from a wall. How far above the floor is the top of the ladder? Give all answers to the nearest thous

Algebra ->  Quadratic Equations and Parabolas  -> Quadratic Equations Lessons  -> Quadratic Equation Lesson -> SOLUTION: I really need help with this question. The base of an 18-ft ladder is 4 ft away from a wall. How far above the floor is the top of the ladder? Give all answers to the nearest thous      Log On


   

Question 109771: I really need help with this question. The base of an 18-ft ladder is 4 ft away from a wall. How far above the floor is the top of the ladder? Give all answers to the nearest thousandth
Answer by beccadancer15(3) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
for this one you can use the Pythagorean theorem. a%5E2+%2B+b%5E2+=+c%5E2
and change it around to be a%5E2=+c%5E2+-+b%5E2
and plug in 18 for "c" and 4 for "b".
"a" is the distance from the base of the ladder to the wall
im sure you can do the rest.
good luck :]
Becca