Pythagorean theorem word problems: ladders
Draw the right triangle, decide which side is the hypotenuse, and use the Pythagorean theorem.
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A 51 m ladder leans against a wall and reaches 45 m up the wall. How far is its foot from the wall, in m?
Answer: 24
A 39 m ladder leans against a wall and reaches 36 m up the wall. How far is its foot from the wall, in m?
Answer: 15
A 164 m ladder leans against a wall and reaches 160 m up the wall. How far is its foot from the wall, in m?
Answer: 36
Tip: Draw the right triangle, decide which side is the hypotenuse, and use the Pythagorean theorem.
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