SOLUTION: a 15 feet ladder is leaning against a wall. the base of the ladder is 3 feet from the wall. how high above the ground is the top of the ladder?

Algebra ->  Length-and-distance -> SOLUTION: a 15 feet ladder is leaning against a wall. the base of the ladder is 3 feet from the wall. how high above the ground is the top of the ladder?       Log On


   



Question 255383: a 15 feet ladder is leaning against a wall. the base of the ladder is 3 feet from the wall. how high above the ground is the top of the ladder?
Answer by checkley77(12844) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
You have a right triangle with a base=3 & an hypotenuse=15.
Using a^2=b^2+c^2 formula & solving for b we get the hright.
3^2+b^2=15^2
9+b^2=225
b^2=225-9
b^2=216
b=sqrt216
b=14.697 ft. is the height.