Mathematics

Mathematics

Problem

A ladder rests against a vertical wall at an inclination α\alpha to the horizontal. Its foot is pulled away from the wall through a distance pp so that its upper end slides a distance qq down the wall and then the ladder makes an angle β\beta to the horizontal. Show that pq=cos⁡β−cos⁡αsin⁡α−sin⁡β\frac{p}{q} = \frac{\cos\beta - \cos\alpha}{\sin\alpha - \sin\beta}.

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