Question

Suppose two bicyclists start at the same location.

The first bicyclist rides due north and the other rides
due west. Find the distance in miles that the first
bicyclist rode if they are 3/2 miles apart after riding
for 1 hour at the same speed.

Answer 1

Explanation:

See attachment.

If both cyclists travel for the same time and speed, they will have travelled the same distance. Since one is headed north and the other east, we can see that the distance between them in one hour is the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Each leg has distance x. We can say x^2 + x^2 = (3
`√(2)`)^2

2x^2 =1 8

x^2 = 9

x = 3

They both rode 3 miles.