Question

Solve by using the Pythagorean Theorem.

A bus leaves from campus headed east at 35 miles per hour and another bus leaves from campus headed south at 50 miles per hour. How long will it take for the buses to be 366 miles apart? Round answer to the nearest hour.

Answer 1

The relationship of distance-speed-time
distance = velocity × time
d = vt

Given:
v₁ = 35 mph
v₂ = 50 mph
the hypotenuse = 366
for example h is the time in hour

Solution:
d₁² + d₂² = (hypotenuse)²
(v₁t)² + (v₂t)² = 366²
(35h)² + (50h)² = 366²
1,225h² + 2,500h² = 133,956
3,725h² = 133,956
h² = 133,956 / 3,725
h² = 35.9613
h = 5.99
to the nearest hour ⇒ 6

The buses will be 366 miles apart in 6 hours