Question

Freddy is on a nature hike. He hikes west 4 miles, and then he turns due north and hikes for 2 miles. It is getting dark and Freddy wants to take the shortest route back to where he started. What is the direct distance back to his starting point?

Answer 1

The direct path back forms a right triangle. Use the Pythagorean theorem:

X = sqrt(4^2 + 2^2)

X = sqrt(16 + 4)

X = sqrt(20) = 2sqrt(5)

X = 4.472

Round the answer as needed.