Answer:
11.625
Explanation:
L = length of the ladder = 16 ft
[tex]v_{y}[/tex] = rate at which top of ladder slides down = - 3 ft/s
[tex]v_{x}[/tex] = rate at which bottom of ladder slides
y = distance of the top of ladder from the ground
x = distance of bottom of ladder from wall = 4 ft
Using Pythagorean theorem
L² = x² + y²
16² = 4² + y²
y = 15.5 ft
Also using Pythagorean theorem
L² = x² + y²
Taking derivative both side relative to "t"
[tex]0 = 2x\frac{\mathrm{d} x}{\mathrm{d} t} + 2y\frac{\mathrm{d} y}{\mathrm{d} t}[/tex]
[tex]0 = x v_{x} + y v_{y}[/tex]
[tex]0 = 4 v_{x} + (15.5) (- 3)[/tex]
[tex]v_{x}[/tex] = 11.625 ft/s