Answer: 8 feet, D
Step-by-step explanation:
To solve this, use the Pythagorean Theorem. It states:
[tex]a^{2} +b^{2} =c^{2}[/tex]
where A and B are the sides of a triangle and C is the triangle's hypotenuse.
The 17 foot ladder in this situation is your hypotenuse, and you have one side of the triangle: 15.
[tex]15^2 + b^2 = 17^2[/tex]
15 squared = 225
17 squared = 289
solving for b squared, we get [tex]b^2 = 64[/tex]
taking the square root of 64, you get 8 feet, the distance between the house and the base of the ladder.
