Fun Math Problem 'Cussed Ladders'

[Gerson W. Barbosa]

(09-16-2017 08:26 AM)Gamo Wrote:  Now you are ready to try the second variation of the cussed ladders. This time, ladder lengths are given as 40 and 30 feet, and they cross at a point 10 feet from the ground. How far apart are the buildings against which the ladders are leaning?
Because in this puzzle you have three dimensions given instead of two, it may at first glance look to be the easier problem. It is not. This one will require that you use your calculator--as well as your head.

Done that before, except that then the height was 15 ft instead of 10 ft. After this change, I find the new distance is now 26.0328775442 ft (previously 15.9876490088 ft).

Old thread on this subject .