Question

A hiker leaves camp and walks 6 miles east. Then he walks 18 miles south. How far from camp is the hiker? Distance in miles: Using quadratic applications

Answer 1

Answer: 19 miles

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 the hiker and the camp) and a and b are the other sides.

Replacing with the values given:

x^2 = 6^2 + 18^2

x^2 = 36+324

x^2 = 360

x = √360

x = 18.97miles = 19 miles

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