Question

A surveyor determined the distance between two docks on opposite sides of lake. Which is the closest estimate of the distance between the two docksA. 1.5 mi.B. 2.2 mi.C. 2.8 mi. D. 1 mi.

Answer 1

Since it is a right triangle, apply the Pythagorean theorem:

c^2 = a^2 +b ^2

Where:

c= hypotenuse = 3

a & b = the other 2 legs of the triangle = (2 and x )

x= distance between the two docks

Replacing:

3^2 = 2^2 + x ^2

Solve for x:

9 = 4 + x^2

9-4 = x^2

5 = x^2

√5 = x

x= 2.2 mi