Question 1003286
Let x = height where the top of the ladder leans against the wall


We have a right triangle with legs x and 9, along with a hypotenuse of 15.


Use the pythagorean theorem to find x


a^2 + b^2 = c^2
x^2 + 9^2 = 15^2
x^2 + 81 = 225
x^2 + 81-81 = 225-81
x^2 = 144
sqrt(x^2) = sqrt(144)
x = 12


The legs of this right triangle are 12 and 9. The vertical leg is 12 (rise) and the horizontal leg is 9 (run)


The legs will form the slope. 


Slope = rise/run = 12/9 = 4/3


Take note at how I reduced the fraction fully


Final Answer: 4/3