Solve the problem.
-A ladder is resting against a wall. The top of the ladder touches the wall at a height of 12 ft. Find the length of the ladder if the length is 4 ft more than its distance from the wall.
A) 16 ft
B) 24 ft
C) 20 ft
D) 12 ft

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Let the distance from the wall be x. Then, according to the problem, the length of the ladder is x+4. Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can form an equation: 
x^2 + 12^2 = (x+4)^2
Expanding and simplifying, we get:
x^2 + 144 = x^2 + 8x + 16
128 = 8x
x = 16
Therefore, the length of the ladder is x+4 = 20. So, the answer is C.

Solve the Problem. -A Ladder Is Resting Against a Wall. the Top of the Top