YS = 6.3 km and YL = 15.4 km, find the length of LS. Round your answer to the nearest tenth if necessary. You must show ALL work and L is the apix

1 answer

To find the length of LS given the lengths YS and YL, we can use the properties of a triangle and the given information, particularly the coordinates of points.

Let's denote:

  • \( Y \) as the point at which the apex \( L \) connects lines to points \( S \) and \( Y \).
  • \( S \) and \( L \) are points below point \( Y \).

From your question, we understand:

  • \( YS = 6.3 \) km (the distance from \( Y \) to \( S \))
  • \( YL = 15.4 \) km (the distance from \( Y \) to \( L \))
  • \( L \) is the apex of the triangle.

Based on this information, we can create a right triangle where:

  • \( YS \) forms one leg,
  • \( YL \) forms another leg, and
  • \( LS \) is the hypotenuse.

Using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle:

\[ c^2 = a^2 + b^2 \]

where \( c \) is the length of the hypotenuse (LS), and \( a \) and \( b \) are the lengths of the other two sides (Yl and Ys), we can plug in the values:

\[ LS^2 = YL^2 + YS^2 \]

Substituting the values:

\[ LS^2 = (15.4)^2 + (6.3)^2 \]

Calculating each term:

\[ (15.4)^2 = 237.16 \]

\[ (6.3)^2 = 39.69 \]

Now, combine these:

\[ LS^2 = 237.16 + 39.69 = 276.85 \]

To find \( LS \), we take the square root of both sides:

\[ LS = \sqrt{276.85} \approx 16.6 , \text{km} \]

Thus, rounding to the nearest tenth, the length of \( LS \) is approximately 16.6 km.