Download Problem 4.1 Stopping Sneaky Sally

Problem 4.1
Stopping Sneaky Sally
The Pythagorean Theorem can be used in
situations in which you need to find the
missing length in a right triangle.
Horace Hanson is the catcher for the Humbolt Bees baseball
team. Sneaky Sally Smith, the star of the Canfield Cats, is on
first base. Sally is known for stealing bases, so Horace is
keeping a sharp eye on her.
The pitcher throws a fastball, and the batter swings and
misses. Horace catches the pitch. Out of the corner of his eye,
he sees Sally take off for second base.
How far must Horace throw the baseball to get
Since
that
part
of
the
infield
makes
a
right
triangle,
Sally out at second base? Explain how you
you need to use the
Pythagorean
Theorem.
found your answer.
a2 + b2 = c2
902 + 902 = c2
8100 + 8100 = c2
16200 = c2
16200 =  c2
127.28 = c
This is the
distance Sally
must run
This is the
unknown
distance
Horace
must
throw.
Horace must throw the baseball about 127 feet
from home plate to 2nd base.
Follow up 4.1: The shortstop is standing on the
baseline, halfway between second base and third
base. How far is the shortstop from Horace?
a2 + b2 = c2
902 + 452 = c2
8100 + 2025 = c2
10125 = c2
10125 =  c2
100.62 = c
The shortstop is about 100 feet from the catcher.
When my 13 foot ladder is set up it reaches the top
of my window that is 12 feet in the air. How far
from my house is the bottom of my ladder?
2
a
2
b
2
c
+ =
2
2
2
a + 12 = 13
2
a + 144 = 169
2
a = 25
2
a = 25
a=5
The ladder is 5 feet from the base of the house.
When using the Pythagorean theorem,
make sure you plug the hypotenuse into
“c” in the formula. Make sure you
write the formula and show all of your
work to get your answer.
The Hypotenuse will always be across
from the right angle and it will always
be the longest of the three sides.