11
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Exploring the Pythagorean Theorem

Question 11 • Pre-Algebra B

Which scenario cannot be modeled by a right triangle?

Answer
A
A 13-foot ladder is placed 5 feet away from a wall. The distance from the ground straight up to the top of the wall is 12 feet.
B
Wendy leaves school to go home. She walks 60 yards north and then 80 yards west. She is 10 yards from the school.
C
The dimensions of a triangular-shaped garden are 28 yards, 53 yards, and 45 yards.
D
A Babylonian writing mentioned a triangle with side lengths 120, 169, and 119.

Explanation

In A, the measurements form a 5-12-13 right triangle. In C, the sides satisfy 28² + 45² = 53², and in D, 119² + 120² = 169², so both can be modeled by right triangles. In B, walking 60 yards north and 80 yards west puts Wendy √(60² + 80²) = 100 yards from school, not 10 yards, so those distances cannot describe the stated right-triangle path.

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