Solve the problem.
-Two cars leave an intersection. One car travels north; the other east. When the car traveling north had gone 12 mi, the distance between the cars was 4 mi more than the distance traveled by the car Heading east. How far had the eastbound car traveled?
A)24 mi
B)16 mi
C)12 mi
D)20 mi

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The problem can be solved using the Pythagorean theorem, where the distance between the two cars forms the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Let $x$ be the distance traveled by the eastbound car. The distance between the cars is $x + 4$ miles. The northbound car has traveled 12 miles. So, we have $12^2 + x^2 = (x + 4)^2$. Solving for $x$, we find $x = 16$ miles.

Solve the Problem. -Two Cars Leave an Intersection. One Car Travels North; the Travels