Question

A man goes 12 m due east and then 5m due south how far is he from the starting point

Answer 1

12² + 5² = 144 + 25

= 169= 13²

starting point = 13m

note : use Pythagoras theorem

Answer 2

Application of Pythagoras Theorem !

Here the man first goes 12 m due east and then goes 5 m due south. Thus forming a right triangle as sides 12 m and 5 m respectively.

Now applying pythagoras theorem :

i.e. (perpendicular)² + (base)² = (hypotenuse)²    

       (12)² + (5)² = (dist. from origin)²  (i.e.hypotenuse)²

       144  +  25  =  (dist. from origin)²

           169         =  (dist. from origin)²

         √169        =   dist. form origin

    therefore, dist. from origin comes to be 13 m.