Question

suppose a 13 foot ladder is leaning against a building. Reaching to the bottom of a second floor window 12 ft above the ground. How far is the base of the ladder from the building? Round your answer to the nearest 10th

5 ft
4ft
3ft
6ft​

Answer 1

Answer: First Choice. 5ft

Step-by-step explanation:

Here we need to know the idea of the Pythagorean theorem.

Since a building is straight, the base angle is a right angle, thus it would be a right triangle.

Pythagorean Theorem: a² + b² = c²

**NOTE** Please refer to the attachment below for the figure. (I drew it, so if it was not clear and understandable for you, please tell me.)

Solve:

Given information

a = 12 ft

c = 13 ft

b = unknow base length

Given formula for Pythagorean Theorem

a² + b² = c²

Substitute values into the formula

12² + b² = 13²

Simplify exponents

144 + b² = 169

Subtract 144 on both sides

144 + b² - 144= 169 - 144

b² = 25

Square root both sides

√b² = √25

$\boxed{b=5}$

Hope this helps!! :)

Please let me know if you have any questions