The straight line distance from the starting point is 41 miles.
Explanation:
Given:
Distance covered towards north, n = 9 miles
Distance covered towards east, e = 40 miles
Distance from the origin to the end, x = ?
If we imagine this, then the route forms a right angle triangle
where,
n is the height
e is the base
x is the hypotenuse
Using pythagoras theorm:
(x)² = (n)² + (e)²
(x)² = (9)² + (40)²
(x)² = 1681
x = 41 miles
Therefore, the straight line distance from the starting point is 41 miles.
