A hiker walks 300 miles north and then 400 miles east. How far is the hiker now from her starting position?

Question

Pythagorean Theorem????? (I am not sure)

Answer 1

Yes, this is a Pythagorean theorem problem.

 

The 300 miles and 400 miles form the legs.

Connecting the end point to start point forms

the hypotenuse of a right triangle.  The

length of the hypotenuse is the distance.

 

d² = 300² + 400²

d = √(300²+400²)

 

Answer 2

Yep! You are going to want to use the Pythagorean Theorem for this one. By walking north and east, you are creating two legs of the triangle. Then, all you would have to solve for is the hypotenuse.

 

x² + y² = z²

 

In this case, x = 300 and y = 400. Just solve for z, and you will be all set!