16Hit1600
Geometry and TrigonometryHardDistance of a boat from its start

Geometry and Trigonometry practice question

A boat sails 20 kilometres due east and then 21 kilometres due north. How far, in kilometres, is the boat from its starting point?

Answer: 29

The two legs are perpendicular, so the distance is √(400 + 441) = √841 = 29.

Common wrong answers

If you answered 1
1 subtracts them.
If you answered 41
41 adds the two distances.
If you answered 28.5
28.5 averages the squares wrongly.

More Geometry and Trigonometry questions

Not affiliated with the College Board. SAT is a trademark of the College Board.