Question

The research vessel ( R)/(V) Enterprise leaves its dock and heads due north for 40 miles. Then it t another 30 miles to its study site. Use the Pythagorean theorem to complete the statements describing the situation.

Answer 1

To find the total distance traveled, we can use the Pythagorean theorem and calculate the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by the two legs of the trip.

Step-by-step explanation:

To solve this problem, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. The Pythagorean theorem states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse (the side opposite the right angle) is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

In this case, the first leg of the trip is 40 miles in the north direction, which can be represented by a vertical line. The second leg of the trip is 30 miles, which can be represented by a horizontal line. The total distance traveled is the hypotenuse of the right triangle formed.

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can calculate the total distance traveled as follows:
R = sqrt((40^2) + (30^2))
R = sqrt(1600 + 900)
R = sqrt(2500)
R = 50 miles