To determine the distance the shortstop needs to throw the ball to first base, we can use the coordinates of the bases on a standard baseball diamond, where each base is 90 feet from each other, and the diamond forms a square.
Let's define the positions of the bases:
- Second base is at (90, 90).
- First base is at (0, 90).
- The shortstop is standing on the base path between second and third base, specifically 30 feet away from second base toward third base.
Given that the distance from second base (90, 90) to the shortstop is 30 feet directly along the base path toward third base:
- The shortstop's position will be at (90, 60) since she is moving down the y-coordinate by 30 feet.
Now, we need to find the distance from the shortstop (90, 60) to first base (0, 90). We can use the distance formula:
\[ \text{Distance} = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \]
Substituting in our coordinates:
- \(x_1 = 90\), \(y_1 = 60\) (shortstop's position)
- \(x_2 = 0\), \(y_2 = 90\) (first base)
\[ \text{Distance} = \sqrt{(0 - 90)^2 + (90 - 60)^2} \] \[ = \sqrt{(-90)^2 + (30)^2} \] \[ = \sqrt{8100 + 900} \] \[ = \sqrt{9000} \] \[ = 30\sqrt{10} \]
Now, calculating \(30\sqrt{10}\):
\[ \sqrt{10} \approx 3.162 \] \[ 30\sqrt{10} \approx 30 \times 3.162 = 94.86 \]
Rounding to the nearest tenth gives:
\[ \text{Distance} \approx 94.9 \text{ feet} \]
So, the shortstop needs to throw the ball approximately 94.9 feet to first base.