which is closest to x , the horizontal distance between the base of the ladder and the building

Question

if a 11 foot ladder is leaning against a building.and the vertical distance from the ground to the top of the ladder is 10 feet. which is closest to x , the horizontal distance between the base of the ladder and the building

Answer 1

Hi Nat, to find the distance from the the base of the ladder is from the building, use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve.

a² + b² = c²

Where a = 10, and c = 11, find b.

10² + b² = 11²

100 + b² = 121

b² = 21

b = 4.58

The base of the ladder is 4.58 feet from the building.

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