Question

How far from the base of the house do you need to place a 15-foot ladder so that it exactly reaches the top of a 12-foot tall wall?

Answer 1

9 Feet

Explanation:

12^2 + x^2 = 15^2 ⇒ x^2 = 15^2 − 12^2 = 81 ⇒ x = √ 81 = 9 ft