## anonymous 5 years ago Two cars leave an intersection at the same time. One travels north and the other travels east. When the eastbound car is 1 mile further than the northbound car from the intersection, the distance between them is 2 miles more than the northbound car's distance from the intersection. How far is the northbound car from the intersection?

1. anonymous

use the pythagoras theorem :$c^2 = x^2 + y^2$ where c = 2 miles x = 1 mile so plug this in the theorem and you'll get the following: $(2)^2 - 1 = y^2$ $y = \sqrt(4-1) \rightarrow y = \sqrt(3)$ I think so, correct me if I'm wrong ^_^

2. anonymous

I think you made a mistake :)

3. anonymous

I concur.

4. anonymous

If the distance of the northbound car from the intersection point is x, then the distance of the eastbound car from the intersection is y+1, and the distance between the two cars is 2+y.

5. anonymous

So, $(2+y)^2=y^2+(y+1)^2$

6. anonymous

Solve the quadratic equation, you get y=-1 or y=3. Take only the positive value of y. Therefore the northbound car is 3 miles away from the intersection.

7. anonymous

I should go prepare for my exam, or I am definitely getting a very bad grade.

8. anonymous

why is it 2 + y?

9. anonymous

oh, right, nvm lol, I again misread the question, sorry ^_^"