PLEASEEEEEEE Heelpppppppppp??
The accompanying diagram shows a 24-foot ladder leaning against a building. A steel brace extends from the ladder to the point where the building meets the ground. The brace forms a right angle with the ladder.

http://www.castlelearning.com/review/Courses/geometry/q3758.gif?v=20070420122556

1. 10/x = x/14
2. 10/x = x/24
3. 10^2 + x^2 = 14^2
4. 10^2 + x^2 = 24^2
I think the answer is 2, but i'm not sure can someone double check for me?

Question

PLEASEEEEEEE Heelpppppppppp??
The accompanying diagram shows a 24-foot ladder leaning against a building. A steel brace extends from the ladder to the point where the building meets the ground. The brace forms a right angle with the ladder.

http://www.castlelearning.com/review/Courses/geometry/q3758.gif?v=20070420122556

1. 10/x = x/14 
2. 10/x  = x/24 
3. 10^2 + x^2 = 14^2
4. 10^2 + x^2 = 24^2
I think the answer is 2, but i'm not sure can someone double check for me?

phi · Answer

This is a question about similar triangles.  I would label one of the angles (which is not 90º)  A.  the other angle in the right triangle will be 90-A  (because the 3 angles: A, 90-A, and the right angle 90 will add up to 180)

now label the angles formed by the "smaller triangles".  You should see that the Big triangle and the 2 inside triangles are all similar.  

Once you do all that, find corresponding sides.  I look for short leg, long leg, and hypotenuse.  then look for ratios of corresponding sides.

anonymous · Answer

so.. is my answer correct?