Question 165412
x^2+(x+7)^2=17^2
x^2+x^2+14x+49=289
2x^2+14x+49-289=0
2x^2+14x-240=0
2(x^2+7x-120)=0
2(x-8)(x+15)=0
x-8=0
x=8 miles for the slowest ship.
8+7=15 miles for the faster ship.
Proof:
8^2+15^2=289
64+225=289
289=289