SOLUTION: A 17 foot ladder leans against a building and reaches a height of 14 feet on the building. The bottom of the ladder is how far away from the bottom of the building?

Algebra ->  Coordinate Systems and Linear Equations  -> Linear Equations and Systems Word Problems -> SOLUTION: A 17 foot ladder leans against a building and reaches a height of 14 feet on the building. The bottom of the ladder is how far away from the bottom of the building?      Log On


   



Question 114639: A 17 foot ladder leans against a building and reaches a height of 14 feet on the building. The bottom of the ladder is how far away from the bottom of the building?
Answer by edjones(8007) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
a=14 c=17
a^2+b^2=c^2
14^2+b^2=17^2
196+b^2=289
b^2=289-196
b^2=93
b=sqrt(93)=9.64 ft... from the building.
Ed