Solve the problem.
-Two cars leave an intersection. One car travels north; the other east. When the car traveling north had gone 18 mi, the distance between the cars was 6 mi more than the distance traveled by the car
Heading east. How far had the east bound car traveled?
A) 30 mi
B) 36 mi
C) 24 mi
D) 18 mi

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The problem can be solved using the Pythagorean theorem, where the distance between the two cars forms the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Let $x$ be the distance traveled by the eastbound car. According to the problem, the hypotenuse (distance between the cars) is $x + 6$ miles. The northbound car has traveled 18 miles, so we have $18^2 + x^2 = (x + 6)^2$. Solving this equation for $x$ gives $x = 24$ miles.

Solve the Problem. -Two Cars Leave an Intersection. One Car Travels North; the Travels