Pythagorean Theorem

Word problems

We can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve word problems.

A 15-foot ladder rests against a wall. The foot of the ladder is 5 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does it reach?.

c²=a²+b²
b²=c²-a²
b²=15²-5²
b²=200

A 36 - foot ladder rests against a wall. The foot of the ladder is 108 feet away from the wall.

How high up the wall does it reach?.

Solution: