Question 163545
15^2=(x+3)^2+x^2
225=x^2+6x+9+x^2
2x^2+6x+9-225=0
2x^2+6x-216=0
2(x^2=3x-108)=0
2(X=12)(x-9)=0
x-9=0
x=9 feet is the distance from the wall to the bottom of the ladder.
Proof:
9^2+(9+3)^2=15^2
81+12^2=225
81+144=225
225=225