A ladder that is leaning against the side of a building form

A ladder that is leaning against the side of a building forms an angle of 50 degree with the ground. If the foot of the ladder is 12 feet from the base of the building, how far up the side of the building does the ladder reach?

Solution

From the right triangle showing the position of ladder we find that tan 50 = h/12

Hence h = 12 tan 50 =14.3010\'