Back to Differential Calculus repository
Differential Calculus2D

Applications of the Derivative - Theory & Concepts - Ladder

Apply differentiation to solve problems in motion, optimization, geometric analysis, and marginal cost.

Open the complete lesson

Related Rates: Sliding Ladder

Length (L)10 m
x6.00 m
y8.00 m

Assume dx/dt = 2 m/s

dy/dt-1.50 m/s

Notice how dy/dt (speed of top of ladder) increases dramatically as x approaches L (bottom pulls away).

FloorWallL = 10xy