Gerry used the diagram to compute the distance from Ferris to Dunlap to Butte. How much shorter is the distance directly from Ferris to Butte than the distance Gerry found?

Question

The figure shows a triangle. The side between Dunlap and Ferris measures 39 miles. The side between Dunlap and Butte measures 52 miles. There is a right angle between these two sides at Dunlap.
A. 91 mi
B. 52 mi
C. 65 mi
D. 26 mi

Answer 1

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can find the distance directly from Ferris to Butte:

distance = sqrt(39^2 + 52^2) = 65 miles

So the difference between the distance Gerry found and the direct distance is:

65 - 52 = 13 miles

Therefore, the answer is option D, 26 miles is incorrect.