Distance calculation (right triangle)

[future_vet]

Homework Statement

Starting from city A, a car drives 250 miles east to city B, then 300 miles north to city C, and then 700 miles west to city D. What is the distance between city A and city D? (Points: 1)
300 mi
400 mi
500 mi
600 mi

Homework Equations

A^2 + B^2 = C^2

The Attempt at a Solution

A^2= 300^2
B^2= (700-250)^2
C^2= 292500
C= 540.8 miles.
Which answer should I choose? 500 or 600?

Thanks!

 

[radou]

Are you sure these are the listed answers?

 

[future_vet]

Yes, did you get the same result I did?... Maybe it has something to do with significant figures?...

 

[radou]

Yes, did you get the same result I did?... Maybe it has something to do with significant figures?...

Your calculation is correct. The offered answers are obviously wrong. Mistakes happen.

 

[future_vet]

I will ask the professor.
Thanks anyway!

 

[future_vet]

I think that the answer is 500. He might count 300 and 700 to only have 2 significant figures, as opposed to 300. and 700. which have 3. Therefore, if the answer is 540, it would only be 500 if we take this into consideration... I think.