SOLUTION: smithville is 70 miles from johnstown and tomstown is 90 miles from johnstown, which is a possible distance? A. 200 B. 150 C. 10 or D. 5 This is not a text book question... s

Algebra ->  Triangles -> SOLUTION: smithville is 70 miles from johnstown and tomstown is 90 miles from johnstown, which is a possible distance? A. 200 B. 150 C. 10 or D. 5 This is not a text book question... s      Log On


   

Question 163919: smithville is 70 miles from johnstown and tomstown is 90 miles from johnstown, which is a possible distance? A. 200 B. 150 C. 10 or D. 5
This is not a text book question... something doesn't seem right...wondering if numbers were misprinted. Thank you!
Answer by scott8148(6628) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
picture johnstown as the center of a circle

smithville is on a circle with a 70 mi radius and tomstown is on a circle with a 90 mi radius

if they are on the same side of the circles (in the same direction from johnstown)
__ the closest they can be is 20 mi (90-70)

if they are on opposite sides of the circles (opposite directions from johnstown)
__ the farthest apart they can be is 160 mi (90+70)

there is only one answer between 20 and 160