SOLUTION: Please help me solve this word problem: A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 18 feet. Find the length of the ladder if the l

Algebra ->  Customizable Word Problem Solvers  -> Misc -> SOLUTION: Please help me solve this word problem: A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 18 feet. Find the length of the ladder if the l      Log On

Ad: Over 600 Algebra Word Problems at edhelper.com


   



Question 132690: Please help me solve this word problem:
A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 18 feet. Find the length of the ladder if the length is 6 feet more than its distance from the wall.

Answer by checkley71(8403) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
(X+6)=18^2+X^2
X^2+12X+36=324+X62
12X=324-36
12X=288
X=288/12
X=24 FEET IS THE DISTANCE FROM THE WALL TO THE FOOT OF THE LADDER.
24+6=30 FEET IS THE LENGTH OF THE LADDER.
PROOF
30^2=18^2+24^2
900=324+576
900=900