SOLUTION: Brandon hikes 7 miles south and 4 miles west. How far is he from the starting point of his hike?

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Question 944968: Brandon hikes 7 miles south and 4 miles west. How far is he from the starting point of his hike?
Answer by macston(5194) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
He has hiked the two legs of a right triangle, so:
A is the distance south and B is the distance west, and C is distance to start
C%5E2=A%5E2%2BB%5E2 or
C=sqrt%28A%5E2%2BB%5E2%29
C=sqrt%287%5E2%2B4%5E2%29
C=sqrt%2849%2B16%29
C=sqrt%2865%29
C=8.06 miles ANSWER After walking 7 miles south and 4 miles west, Brandon is 8.06 miles from his starting point.