Question

sally walked 4 kilometers west and 3 kilometers south, and then went home.
how far did she travel to return home?

Explanation:

Step1: Identify the triangle type

The path forms a right - triangle, with legs \(a = 4\) km (west) and \(b = 3\) km (south), and the hypotenuse \(c\) is the distance home.

Step2: Apply Pythagorean theorem

The Pythagorean theorem is \(c=\sqrt{a^{2}+b^{2}}\). Substitute \(a = 4\) and \(b = 3\):
\(c=\sqrt{4^{2}+3^{2}}=\sqrt{16 + 9}=\sqrt{25}\)

Step3: Calculate the square root

\(\sqrt{25}=5\)

Answer:

5 kilometers