A ladder is 10 feet long and leans against a wall. The base of the ladder is 6 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does the ladder reach?

A 4 feet

B 7 feet

C 8 feet

D 11 feet

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

This forms a right triangle. Use the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c². Let the height be 'h'. So, h² + 6² = 10². h² + 36 = 100. h² = 64. Thus, h = √64 = 8 feet.

💡 Why is C) the correct answer?

The correct answer to the question "A ladder is 10 feet long and leans against a wall. The base of the ladder is 6 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does the ladder reach?" is Option C: 8 feet.

The other options — A) 4 feet, B) 7 feet, D) 11 feet — are incorrect for this GED Exam Prep question. As explained above: This forms a right triangle. Use the Pythagorean theorem: a² + b² = c². Let the height be 'h'. So, h² + 6² = 10². h² + 36 = 100. h² = 64. Thus, h = √64 = 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 ladder is 10 feet long and leans against a wall. The base of the ladder is 6 feet away from the wall. How high up the wall does the ladder reach?

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

📚 About This GED Exam Prep Practice Question

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