How many miles is Terry's house to Jerry's house?

Question

Problem: Perry lives 3.7 miles north of school. Jerry lives 2.5 miles south of school. Terry lives 1.4 miles south of Perry. How far is it from Terry's house to Jerry's house?

 

I know my first step to solving this problem is to put it in an algebraic equation, but I am not sure how. How do you put this word problem in an equation?

Answer 1

I suggest drawing a diagram and label it.

S is school

P is north (up) from the school, 3.7 miles

J is south (down) from the school, 2.5 miles

T is south (down) from J, 1.4 miles

Look at the diagram.

How far is it from P to T?