The given situation can be solved using the differential equation and the top of the ladder slides downward at 0.417 ft/s.
Let:
x be the distance from the bottom of the ladder to the base of the wall
y be the distance from the top of the ladder to the bottom of the wall
When the ladder is still, apply the Pythagorean Theorem,
x² + y² = 13²
5² + y² = 13²
y² = 169 - 25 = 144
y = 12 ft
When the ladder slides, apply the differential equation:
x² + y² = 13²
2x . dx/dt + 2y . dy/dt = 0
Substitute x = 5, dx/dt = 1, y = 12
2 . 5 . 1 + 2 . 12 . dy/dt = 0
24 dy/dt = -10
dy/dt = -5/12 = - 0.417 ft/s
The minus sign indicates that the ladder is sliding downward.
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