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?

Respuesta :

Answer:

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

Step-by-step explanation:

Let's use Pythagoras theorem to solve.

Pythagoras theorem says,

[tex]a^{2} +b^{2} =c^{2}[/tex]

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.

[tex]a^{2} +4^{2} =5^{2}[/tex]

Simplify it

[tex]a^{2} +16=25[/tex]

Subtract both sides 16

[tex]a^{2} =9[/tex]

Take square root on both sides

a=±3

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