SOLUTION: I need help using factoring and polynomial equations to solve this work problem. "Two ships leave port, one eastbound and the other southbound. After some time the two ships are

Question 159030: I need help using factoring and polynomial equations to solve this work problem. "Two ships leave port, one eastbound and the other southbound. After some time the two ships are 17 miles apart. The southbound ship has traveled 7 miles further than the eastbound ship. How far have the two ships traveled?"
I've created a triangle with side C=17; side A=x; and side B=(x+7), but I'm stuck there. I can't determine how to make this into an equation.
Thanks for your help,
Brianna Green
Answer by nerdybill(7384) (Show Source): You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Since one ship is eastbound and the other southbound, then it would form a "right triangle" (90 deg). If it is a "right triangle", then you can apply Pythagorean theorem.
.
x(x+7) = 17^2
.
Can you complete it from here?
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