2005 AMC 8 Problem 7

Attempt Problem 7 of the 2005 AMC 8 below, then check your answer against the professionally curated solution from LIVE by Po-Shen Loh. You can also try the full timed exam, view all 2005 AMC 8 solutions, or check the answer key.

All problems are used with official legal permission of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA).

7.

Bill walks 12\frac{1}{2} mile south, then 34\frac{3}{4} mile east, and finally 12\frac{1}{2} mile south. How many miles is he, in a direct line, from his starting point?
11
1141 \frac{1}{4}
1121 \frac{1}{2}
1341 \frac{3}{4}
22
Answer: B
Concepts:Pythagorean Theoremfraction
Small hint:
Combine the two southward parts into one vertical displacement.
Big hint:
Use the Pythagorean theorem with legs 11 and 34\frac{3}{4}.
Solution:
Note that what we want is the length of the diagonal. We can use the Pythagorean theorem to find this. (12+12)2+342 \sqrt{\left(\dfrac{1}{2} + \dfrac{1}{2}\right)^2 + \dfrac{3}{4}^2} =1+916=2516=54 = \sqrt{1 + \dfrac{9}{16}} = \sqrt{\dfrac{25}{16}} = \dfrac{5}{4}
Thus, B is the correct answer.
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