Final answer:
To calculate the distance saved if Jim takes a shortcut by walking along the diagonal of a rectangular lot, use the Pythagorean theorem to find the diagonal distance and subtract it from the sum of the lengths of the sides of the rectangle.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the distance saved if Jim hops the fence and takes a shortcut by walking along the diagonal of a rectangular lot, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. The diagonal of the rectangle represents the hypotenuse of the right triangle formed by the sides of the rectangle. Using the formula c = sqrt(a^2 + b^2), where c is the diagonal and a and b are the lengths of the sides of the rectangle, we can find the diagonal distance. In this case, a = 150 m and b = 200 m. Plugging these values into the formula gives c = sqrt(150^2 + 200^2) = sqrt(22500 + 40000) = sqrt(62500) = 250 m.
The diagonal distance is the distance saved by Jim. The distance that he would have to walk along the sides of the rectangle would be the sum of the lengths of the sides, which is 150 + 200 + 150 + 200 = 700 m. Therefore, the distance saved is 700 m - 250 m = 450 m.