The Ladder Problem
On a number of occasions over a period of many years I have encountered a particular mathematical problem. I tend to think of it as the Ladder Problem.
It has always been presented as a bit of a puzzle and looks deceptively simple but is actually a bit of a handful to solve. It is one of those things which everybody thinks they should be able to answer just by giving it a bit of thought.
I had never properly tried to solve it on earlier encounters but when I came across it again recently, I decided at last, to have a go. This time I managed to solve it.
I am putting the problem on this web site for anyone, who enjoys a puzzle offering bit of mathematical wrangling. It requires about A level mathematical ability and may also involve you in a bit of Internet research.
I was tempted to put my solution here as well but I suspect that had I done so, interested parties would just have looked, snorted, and moved on without trying to solve the problem. Not providing it will, I hope, tempt you to have a try.
The problem is as follows:
A box 2ft x 2ft x 2ft is on the ground against a wall. A 10ft ladder is leaning against the wall and is just touching the top edge of the box. How high up the wall does the ladder reach?
If, having tried, you still wish to see my solution, e-mail me and I will send a copy.
E-mail: adonald@btinternet.com
with subject heading: Ladder Problem