This is question of differential equationÂ
The ladder will form a right triangle with the wall and floorÂ
 let base of the triangle be x and perpendicular be y
 so xĂË + yĂË = 15ĂË, by PythagorasÂ
 now y=12 when x=9 (given) ,Â
 differentiating xĂË + yĂË = 15ĂË
 2x dx/dt +2y dy/dt = 0Â
 x dx/dt + y dy/dt = 0Â
 given dx/dt= 4 ft/sec
 9*4 + 12 dy/dt = 0Â
 dy/dt = - 3 ft/sec