Distance Across a Marsh. In the diagram below, D ABC is a right triangle and AB represents the distance across a marsh. If C measures 37 and BC measures 44 m, find AB. Round answer to the nearest meter.
A)34 m
B)35 m
C)26 m
D)33 m
E)36 m

Question

Distance Across a Marsh. In the diagram below, D ABC is a right triangle and AB represents the distance across a marsh. If C measures 37 and BC measures 44 m, find AB. Round answer to the nearest meter. 
A)34 m 
B)35 m 
C)26 m 
D)33 m 
E)36 m

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

We can use the Pythagorean theorem to solve for AB. AB^2 = AC^2 - BC^2 = 37^2 - 44^2 = 225. Taking the square root, we get AB = 15, which rounded to the nearest meter, is 33 meters. Therefore, the answer is choice (D).