A 13 ft. ladder is leaning against a building 12 ft. up from the ground. How far is the base of the ladder from the building?

Answer with Step-by-step explanation:

Length of ladder=13 ft

Height of building=12 ft.

We have to find the distance between base of ladder and the building

Let it be x

If we view the above problem as a right angled triangle

Then, Hypotenuse=13 ft.

Height=12 ft.

and Base=x

Applying the Pythagorean theorem

Hypotenuse²=Height²+Base²

⇒13²=12²+x²

⇒x²=13²-12²

⇒x²=169-144

⇒x²=25

⇒x=5

Hence, The ladder is 5 ft. away from the base of building