Final answer:
To find the distance across the canal, use the concept of similar triangles and set up a proportion using the lengths of the sides. Cross-multiply to solve for the unknown distance.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the distance across the canal, we can use the concept of similar triangles. Since we have the measurements on one side of the canal, we can set up a proportion using the lengths of the sides. Let's call the distance across the canal x. We can set up the proportion: 40 ft / 16 ft = x / 100 ft. Cross-multiplying gives us a new equation: 16x = 40 * 100. Solving for x gives us: x = (40 * 100) / 16 = 250 ft. So, the distance across the canal is 250 ft.