Answer:
14.4 ft
Step-by-step explanation:
The triangles formed by both ladders are similar to each other. Therefore, each corresponding sides will be proportional.
Thus, x + 8 would represent how far up the 10-foot ladder reaches the wall.
Therefore:
18/10 = (x + 8)/8
9/5 = (x + 8)/8
Cross multiply
9*8 = 5(x + 8)
72 = 5x + 40
72 - 40 = 5x
32 = 5x
Divide both sides by 5
32/5 = x
x = 6.4
The 10-foot ladder would be, 6.4 + 8 = 14.4 ft far up the wall.
