To find the straight line distance, you can use the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.
In this case, the westward and southward legs of the journey form the two legs of a right triangle, with the starting point, turning point, and end point forming the right angle. The westward leg is 8 miles long, and the southward leg is 11 miles long.
Using the Pythagorean theorem:
\(c^2 = a^2 + b^2\)
\(c^2 = 8^2 + 11^2\)
\(c^2 = 64 + 121\)
\(c^2 = 185\)
\(c = \sqrt{185}\)
\(c \approx 13.6\)
Therefore, the straight line distance from the starting point to the end point of driving is approximately 13.6 miles.
You start driving west for 8 miles, turn left, and drive south for another 11 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