We are probably all familiar with maths exam questions about ladders designed to test knowledge of the relationships between angles, length and distance (or trigonometry, for those of us who understood it!). Usually the question is set in a dull manner: a four metre long ladder rests against a wall and its base is one metre away from the base of the wall, how far up the wall does the ladder reach and what is the angle between the ladder and the ground?

Some maths teachers try to make it a bit more fun, by creating a story around the ladder and the reason why it is so important to know the exact height it will reach. A common example uses the ‘damsel in distress’ context, which does seem to be something of a favourite with exam question setters, authors, screenplay writers and computer game storyliners. It uses the Rapunzel scenario (but assumes she has had a hair cut) and therefore the handsome Prince needs a ladder to reach her.

A New Way to Combine Maths and Ladders

However, a teacher in Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA has come under some scrutiny from parents and fellow teachers for trying to liven up the admittedly dull ‘ladder against a wall’ question. His phrasing of the questions was as follows: Serial killer Ted Bundy has a 20 foot ladder leaning against his favourite tree. The ladder makes a 64 degree angle with the ground. What distance up the tree does the ladder reach?

It appears that the students didn’t mind, and found the teacher’s attempt at brightening an otherwise boring class funny. Other questions on the test included scenarios with a Japanese businessman and Godzilla, and a character who watches his neighbours. It might be a long way from how these questions were originally put, but if it helps engage the students it can only be a good thing. Maybe some of them will go on to use ladders at work and remember this equation, putting it into practice and saving time?