Question 221740
Let x = distance of the train from the intersection.  The distance of the car from the railroad crossing is 30 meters, and the direct distance from the car to the train is 50 meters.  Notice that this picture (if you can see it!) is a right triangle, with the hypotenuse = 50 meters, the legs being x and 30.


By the Theorem of Pythagoras, a^2 + b^2 = c^2, where c is the hypotenuse.


x^2 + 30^2 = 50^2
x^2 + 900=2500
x^2 = 1600


Take sthe square root of each side:
{{{x= 0+-sqrt(1600)}}}


Reject negative answer, 
{{{x= 40 }}} meters.


R^2


Dr. Robert J. Rapalje, Retired
Seminole State College of Florida
Altamone Springs Campus