distance ?

1stimer

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Vehicle drives from a to b (south 100mi), then from b to c (east 200mi), then from c to d (north 300mi). What is the straight line distance from d to a?


2. Relevant equations
Not sure. Maybe Pythagorean theorem.


3. The attempt at a solution
No idea really. I drew a diagram and labeled it and thats about as far as I got. Thanks.

hage567

Yes you will have a right angle triangle. You can figure out the lengths of two of the sides based on the information given in the question. Then use the Pythagorean theorem to get the hypontenuse. Where are you getting stuck?

1stimer

Well, I have not had a math course in about 15 years and this is my first time taking physics. The text that I have for my class is not that good as far as showing examples of how to do things. I drew the diagram and it has 3 given sides, then to find the distance it would be a 4th side, so how do you get a triangle out of it?

hage567

Draw a line from point a across to the line cd (keep it perpendicular to cd).

1stimer

OK. Gotcha. Now we have a right triangle. Didnt see it at first. Thanks a lot.