SOLUTION: Use the pythagoras Theorem ,two runners run 8 miles north and then 15 miles west. What is the shortest distance they must travel?

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Question 911475: Use the pythagoras Theorem ,two runners run 8 miles north and then 15 miles west. What is the shortest distance they must travel?

Answer by Fombitz(32388) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
I'm assuming you mean if they ran from their current position back to their start position.
The two distances are the legs of a right triangle and the shortest distance back is the hypotenuse.
H%5E2=8%5E2%2B15%5E2
H%5E2=64%2B225
H%5E2=289
H=17 miles