Question

To wash a window that is 4 meters off the ground, Rafi leans a 5-meter ladder against the side of the building. To reach the window, how far away from the building should Rafi place the base of the ladder?

Answer 1

Base of the ladder is 3 meters away from the building.

Explanation:

Let's use Pythagoras theorem to solve.

Pythagoras theorem says,

`a^(2) +b^(2) =c^(2)`

Here let horizontal distance is "a''

Vertical distance of window is 4 m

So, b=4

The Rafi leans 5 m ladder against the wall. So, c=5.

`a^(2) +4^(2) =5^(2)`

Simplify it

`a^(2) +16=25`

Subtract both sides 16

`a^(2) =9`

Take square root on both sides

a=±3

So, base of the ladder is 3 meters away from the building.