Answer:
The top of the ladder touches the tree 14 ft above the ground.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pythagorean Theorem incorporates the ladder length (17.5 ft), the distance of the base of the ladder from the base of the tree (10.5 ft), and the point where the ladder touches the tree (x ft):
x^2 + 10.5^2 = 17.5^2, or
x^2 + 110.25 = 306.25. Then x^2 = 196, and x = +14 (Answer C)
The top of the ladder touches the tree 14 ft above the ground.
