We can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the straight line distance from the starting point:
c² = a² + b²
where c is the hypotenuse (the straight line distance), and a and b are the lengths of the other two sides of the right triangle formed by our driving directions. In this case:
a = 14 miles (east)
b = 6 miles (north)
c² = 14² + 6²
c² = 196 + 36
c² = 232
c ≈ 15.2
Therefore, our straight line distance from the starting point is approximately 15.2 miles. Rounded to the nearest tenth of a mile, the answer is 15.2.
You start driving east for 14 miles, turn left, and drive north for another 6 miles. At the end of driving, what is your straight line distance from your starting point? Round to the nearest tenth of a mile.
1 answer