Question

A new cellular phone tower services all phones within a 20 mile radius. Doreen lives 16 miles east and 12 miles south of the tower. Is she within the area serviced by the tower? Complete the explanation.

Answer 1

Answer: Yes.

Explanation:

Hi, since the situation forms a right triangle (see attachment) we have to apply the Pythagorean Theorem:

c^2 = a^2 + b^2

Where c is the hypotenuse of the triangle (in this case the distance between Doreen’s house and the tower) and a and b are the other sides.

Replacing with the values given:

c^2 = 16^2 + 12^2

c^2 = 256+144

c^2 = 400

c = √400

c = 20 miles

So, she is within the area serviced by the tower (20 miles)

Feel free to ask for more if needed or if you did not understand something.