Math Problem Statement

The Frostburg-Truth bus travels from Frostburg Mall through the city’s center to Sojourner Truth Park. The mall is 3 miles west and 4 miles south of the city’s center. Truth Park is 3 miles east and 2 miles north of the city’s center. How far is it from Truth Park to the mall to the nearest tenth of a mile?

Solution

To find the distance between Truth Park and the mall, we can use the distance formula. The distance dd between two points (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) in a coordinate plane is given by:

d=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}

Step 1: Determine the coordinates of the mall and Truth Park relative to the city center.

  • The mall is 3 miles west and 4 miles south of the city center, so its coordinates relative to the center are (3,4)(-3, -4).
  • Truth Park is 3 miles east and 2 miles north of the city center, so its coordinates relative to the center are (3,2)(3, 2).

Step 2: Apply the distance formula.

Using the coordinates for the mall (3,4)(-3, -4) and Truth Park (3,2)(3, 2), we calculate:

d=(3(3))2+(2(4))2d = \sqrt{(3 - (-3))^2 + (2 - (-4))^2}

Simplify inside the parentheses:

d=(3+3)2+(2+4)2d = \sqrt{(3 + 3)^2 + (2 + 4)^2}

d=62+62d = \sqrt{6^2 + 6^2}

d=36+36d = \sqrt{36 + 36}

d=72d = \sqrt{72}

Step 3: Simplify and find the distance.

d=728.5 milesd = \sqrt{72} \approx 8.5 \text{ miles}

So, the distance from Truth Park to the mall is approximately 8.5\mathbf{8.5} miles.

Would you like further explanation or have any questions?

Here are some related questions:

  1. How do you calculate the distance between two points in three-dimensional space?
  2. What is the significance of the distance formula in real-world applications?
  3. How would you find the midpoint of the segment connecting the mall and Truth Park?
  4. How can you determine the coordinates of a point that divides a segment in a given ratio?
  5. How would the distance change if the coordinates were given on a different scale?

Tip: When dealing with distances, always double-check your signs and operations inside the square root to ensure accuracy.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Coordinate Geometry
Distance Formula

Formulas

Distance formula

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9