AlanHo Posted April 1, 2013 Report Share Posted April 1, 2013 I have been clearing out some old paperwork today and I came across a folder containing some papers from 60 years ago - at the time when I was in 6th form grammar school.I came across some homework the maths teacher had set. He told us it was an interesting geometry puzzle and challenged us to solve it by the following week.Only two of us in the class succeeded. (OK OK I'm bragging again)Any good mathematicians here who would like to have a go......................There are two ladders in an alley leaning against opposite walls. One ladder is 20 feet long, the other ladder is 16 feet long and the height above ground where they cross is 7 feet.How wide is the alley? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted April 1, 2013 Report Share Posted April 1, 2013 Geometry - one of my pet hates and so long ago! Will look at it in the morning and give it a whirl when my brain has a slight rejuvenation. Hopefully someone else will have provided the solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted April 1, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 1, 2013 I have the solution - but I won't post it until you have all had a good go at it....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan2273 Posted April 1, 2013 Report Share Posted April 1, 2013 9 feet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 9 feet. You are not even close. I fear that you have not used the Pythagorean Theorem correctly with the 4 triangles involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 I (we) surender! Spent all morning trying to work it out. Even the sun has gone again now! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMTNT Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 10.6545 feet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted April 2, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 10.6545 feet How did you reach that conclusion which is a close shot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IMTNT Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 I had planned on using a combination of Newton's Method and the Pythagorean Theorem but it was easier to look over your shoulder and copy your answer. I thought you said you had the correct answer!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted April 2, 2013 Report Share Posted April 2, 2013 I had planned on using a combination of Newton's Method and the Pythagorean Theorem but it was easier to look over your shoulder and copy your answer. I thought you said you had the correct answer!! Are you, by chance, teasing our dear AlanHo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlanHo Posted April 3, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 Here is my solution which was the result of awesome tenacity and brainpower almost unknown in a 16 year old in those days.I wonder if today's 16 year olds would be able to solve this one - I rather have my doubts now that our education system has been so dumbed down Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irene Posted April 3, 2013 Report Share Posted April 3, 2013 I knew it would be a simple solution , but would that comply with the building regulations? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artist Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 I'm going to have to brush up on me maths - or something. This forum is getting too intelligent for me........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D4\/!d Posted April 4, 2013 Report Share Posted April 4, 2013 It didn't take me very long to work out...I would never venture down that alley...and I wouldn't go anywhere near those ladders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.