Math Problem Statement

Bentley leans a 22-foot ladder against a wall so that it forms an angle of 74degrees ∘ with the ground. How high up the wall does the ladder reach? Round your answer to the nearest hundredth of a foot if necessary.

Solution

To solve this problem, we can use trigonometry. Specifically, we are dealing with a right triangle, where:

  • The length of the ladder forms the hypotenuse of the triangle (22 feet).
  • The angle between the ladder and the ground is 74 degrees.
  • We need to find the height up the wall, which corresponds to the length of the vertical leg of the triangle.

We will use the sine function because it relates the angle to the ratio of the opposite side (height) and the hypotenuse.

The formula is:

sin(θ)=oppositehypotenuse\sin(\theta) = \frac{\text{opposite}}{\text{hypotenuse}}

Where:

  • θ=74\theta = 74^\circ
  • The hypotenuse = 22 feet
  • The opposite (height) = ? (this is what we're trying to find)

Rearranging the formula to solve for the height:

height=sin(74)×22\text{height} = \sin(74^\circ) \times 22

Using a calculator to find sin(74)\sin(74^\circ):

sin(74)0.961261\sin(74^\circ) \approx 0.961261

Now, calculate the height:

height=0.961261×2221.14 feet\text{height} = 0.961261 \times 22 \approx 21.14 \text{ feet}

So, the ladder reaches approximately 21.14 feet up the wall.

Would you like further details on the steps, or do you have any other questions?

Here are some related questions you could explore:

  1. How can we use the cosine function to find the horizontal distance from the base of the ladder to the wall?
  2. How does changing the angle affect the height reached by the ladder?
  3. What happens if the ladder is 30 feet long instead of 22 feet?
  4. How would the problem change if the ladder were placed at a 45-degree angle?
  5. What are some real-life applications of right triangle trigonometry in construction?

Tip: When dealing with right triangles and angles, remember that sine, cosine, and tangent functions are key to solving for unknown sides and angles.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Right Triangles
Sine Function

Formulas

sin(θ) = opposite / hypotenuse
height = sin(θ) * hypotenuse

Theorems

Sine Rule for Right Triangles

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12