Calculus Word Problem: Finding Rate of a Sliding Ladder with Pythagoras Theorem

[Niaboc67]

Question: Suppose a 15-foot ladder is sliding down a vertical wall, with the bottom of the ladder sliding away from the wall at a rate of 2 feet per minute. Sketch a picture of the situation, with labels x and y indicating horizontal and vertical distances, respectively. Then find the rate at which the ladder is sliding down the wall when the bottom of the ladder is 9 feet from the base of the wall.

pretty sure I should use Pythagoras theorem to solve and solve but could use some help on how to figure this out. Thank you

 

[Qwertywerty]

pretty sure I should use Pythagoras theorem to solve and solve but could use some help on how to figure this out. Thank you

Let distance of bottom of ladder from base of wall at any time be x . Then , let height of ladder be y .

Write pythagoras theorem . Differentiate ( You know x , dx/dt and y ) .