Straight Line Distance from D to A: Calculating with Pythagorean Theorem

  • Thread starter Thread starter 1stimer
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
To find the straight line distance from point D to point A, a right triangle can be formed using the Pythagorean theorem. The vehicle's path creates a triangle with known side lengths: 100 miles south, 200 miles east, and 300 miles north. By drawing a perpendicular line from point A to line CD, the right triangle is established, allowing for the calculation of the hypotenuse. The Pythagorean theorem can then be applied to determine the distance from D to A. This method effectively simplifies the problem into manageable steps.
1stimer
Messages
7
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


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?


Homework Equations


Not sure. Maybe Pythagorean theorem.


The Attempt at a Solution


No idea really. I drew a diagram and labeled it and that's about as far as I got. Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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?
 
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?
 
Draw a line from point a across to the line cd (keep it perpendicular to cd).
 
OK. Gotcha. Now we have a right triangle. Didnt see it at first. Thanks a lot.
 
Last edited:
Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Thread 'Variable mass system : water sprayed into a moving container'

Starting with the mass considerations #m(t)# is mass of water #M_{c}# mass of container and #M(t)# mass of total system $$M(t) = M_{C} + m(t)$$ $$\Rightarrow \frac{dM(t)}{dt} = \frac{dm(t)}{dt}$$ $$P_i = Mv + u \, dm$$ $$P_f = (M + dm)(v + dv)$$ $$\Delta P = M \, dv + (v - u) \, dm$$ $$F = \frac{dP}{dt} = M \frac{dv}{dt} + (v - u) \frac{dm}{dt}$$ $$F = u \frac{dm}{dt} = \rho A u^2$$ from conservation of momentum , the cannon recoils with the same force which it applies. $$\quad \frac{dm}{dt}...
View full post »

Thread 'Egg Drop Challenge! Need ideas for winning designs'

I was thinking using 2 purple mattress samples, and taping them together, I do want other ideas though, the main guidelines are; Must have a volume LESS than 1600 cubic centimeters, and CAN'T exceed 25 cm in ANY direction. Must be LESS than 1 kg. NO parachutes. NO glue or Tape can touch the egg. MUST be able to take egg out in less than 1 minute. Grade A large eggs will be used.
View full post »

Similar threads

Relative velocity passing a ball between two soccer players
Replies
5
Views
2K
SAT physics question -- Flag on a bicycle being ridden in the wind....
Replies
6
Views
2K
What is the Distance d in Snell's Law and the Pythagorean Theorem?
Replies
5
Views
1K
Calculating Time for a Swimmer to Cross a River Using Pythagorean Theorem
Replies
6
Views
3K
Distance of compass to wire based on magnetic field strength
Replies
3
Views
3K
Net force from a straight-line resultant?
Replies
8
Views
4K
How Do You Determine the Maximum Distance from Base Camp Using Vector Addition?
Replies
11
Views
6K
Vectors: Displacement, average velocity & speed
Replies
7
Views
2K
Motion in a Plane-Finding velocity and displacement
Replies
13
Views
2K
Magnetic Induction: Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top