Question

A dirt bike chain fits tightly around two circular gears. Find the distance between the centers of the gears.

Answer 1

Answer:

The distance between the centers of the gears is 27.4 inches

Step-by-step explanation:

see the attached figure with letters to better understand the problem

In the right triangle ABC

Applying the Pythagorean Theorem

$AC^2=AB^2+BC^2$

we have

$BC=CE-EB=9.3-2.4=6.9\ in$

$AB=DE=26.5\ in$

substitute

$AC^2=26.5^2+6.9^2$

$AC^2=749.86\\AC=27.4\ in$

therefore

The distance between the centers of the gears is 27.4 inches