Fran works due north of home. Her husband Alan works due east. They leave he for work at the same time. By the time Fran is 5 miles from home, the distance between them is one mile more than Alan's distance from home. How far from home is Alan?

Question

Fran works due north of home.  Her husband Alan works due east.  They leave he for work at the same time.  By the time Fran is 5 miles from home, the distance between them is one mile more than Alan's distance from home.  How far from home is Alan?

dumbcow · Answer

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use pythagorean theorem
x^2 +25 = (x+1)^2

anonymous · Answer

so how many miles is Alan?

dumbcow · Answer

x^2 +25 = x^2 +2x +1

solve for x ...

anonymous · Answer

-2x=24
x=12

dumbcow · Answer

yep :)

anonymous · Answer

Thanks

directrix · Answer

Hey, if you're turning in work for grading, there's a small error.

anonymous · Answer

yes I am trying to figure out a problem

directrix · Answer

-2x=24
Shoud be --> 2x = +12  ---> not negative
and then            x=12