Solve the problem.
-Suppose that there is no straight path for driving between towns A and B. To drive from Town A to Town B, it is necessary to travel due east for 20 miles, then due north for 17 miles. How far apart, to the nearest tenth of a mile, are the towns?
A) 26.2 mi
B) 309.0 mi
C) 6.1 mi
D) 417.0 mi

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The distance between the towns can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, where the eastward and northward paths form the legs of a right triangle. The distance is the hypotenuse, calculated as sqrt(20^2 + 17^2) = sqrt(400 + 289) = sqrt(689) ≈ 26.2 miles.

Solve the Problem. -Suppose That There Is No Straight Path for Driving Between