Question

question
you start driving east for 18 miles, turn right, and drive south for another 5 miles. at the end of driving, what is your straight line distance from your starting point? round to the nearest tenth of a mile.
answer
attempt 1 out of 2

Explanation:

Step1: Recognize the problem as a right - triangle problem

The path forms a right - triangle where the eastward drive (\(a = 18\) miles) and southward drive (\(b=5\) miles) are the two legs, and the straight - line distance (\(c\)) from the starting point is the hypotenuse.

Step2: Apply the Pythagorean theorem

The Pythagorean theorem is \(c=\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}\). Substitute \(a = 18\) and \(b = 5\) into the formula: \(c=\sqrt{18^{2}+5^{2}}=\sqrt{324 + 25}=\sqrt{349}\).

Step3: Calculate the square root

\(\sqrt{349}\approx18.7\) (rounded to the nearest tenth)

Answer:

\(18.7\) miles