Answer :
Using Pythagorean's Theorem we know that a^2 + b^2 = c^2
C is the length of the ladder, and we are given one of the sides, let's call that side b
_________
we have a^2 + b^2 = c^2, and a^2 = c^2 - b^2, so a = √ c^2 - b^2
_________ ______ ____
a = √12^2-3^2 = √ 144-9 = √ 135 = 11.61895
so the top of the ladder is 11.6 feet above the ground
C is the length of the ladder, and we are given one of the sides, let's call that side b
_________
we have a^2 + b^2 = c^2, and a^2 = c^2 - b^2, so a = √ c^2 - b^2
_________ ______ ____
a = √12^2-3^2 = √ 144-9 = √ 135 = 11.61895
so the top of the ladder is 11.6 feet above the ground
This question is asking about the Pythagorean Theorem (A^2 + B^2 = C^2)
You know the length of the hypotenuse (this is 12 feet, the length of the ladder, which is C), you also know A, 3 feet from the side of the house.
So we have to plug into the formula what we know 3^2 + B^2 = 12^2, or 9 + B^2 = 144. By rearranging the formula you get 144 - 9 = B^2. Once you solve for B^2 you can take the square root to get B. (It's 11.6!)
You know the length of the hypotenuse (this is 12 feet, the length of the ladder, which is C), you also know A, 3 feet from the side of the house.
So we have to plug into the formula what we know 3^2 + B^2 = 12^2, or 9 + B^2 = 144. By rearranging the formula you get 144 - 9 = B^2. Once you solve for B^2 you can take the square root to get B. (It's 11.6!)
