A construction worker leans a 10-foot ladder against a wall. The base of the ladder is 6 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does the top of the ladder reach?

A 4 feet

B 8 feet

C 12 feet

D 16 feet

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

This is a right-triangle problem using the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c². Here, a=6 (base), c=10 (ladder length), and b is the height. So, 6² + b² = 10². 36 + b² = 100. b² = 64, so b = 8 feet.

💡 Why is B) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A construction worker leans a 10-foot ladder against a wall. The base of the ladder is 6 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does the top of the ladder reach?" is Option B: 8 feet.

The other options — A) 4 feet, C) 12 feet, D) 16 feet — are incorrect for this GED Exam Prep question. As explained above: This is a right-triangle problem using the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c². Here, a=6 (base), c=10 (ladder length), and b is the height. So, 6² + b² = 10². 36 + b² = 100. b² = 64, so b = 8 feet.

📚 About This GED Exam Prep Practice Question

This 3-level GED Exam Prep question from the Mathematical Reasoning topic is part of BrainForge Quiz's free exam preparation library. Each question includes the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept, not just memorize the answer.

How to use this page: Read the question above, consider all four options (A through D), then check the highlighted correct answer and explanation. For active timed practice, start a free GED Exam Prep practice test or use flashcards for spaced repetition review.

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A construction worker leans a 10-foot ladder against a wall. The base of the ladder is 6 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does the top of the ladder reach?

✓ Correct Answer: Option B

📚 About This GED Exam Prep Practice Question

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