Question

5. Two points are 10 units apart on the coordinate plane. If

an ant were to walk between the 2 points moving only

vertically and horizontally, it would have to walk 6 horizontal

units. How many vertical units would the ant have to walk?

Answer 1

8

Explanation:

Let's say the ant is walking across the floor. Then it hits the wall and starts climbing to the ceiling.

We have a right triangle, as in the diagram, so we can apply Pythagoras' Theorem.

x² + 6² = 10²

x² + 36 = 100

x² = 64

x = 8

The ant must walk eight vertical units.