Let's solve the problem step by step and verify the solution.
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Problem Statement:
A player throws the ball from
first base to a point located
between third base and home plate, and
10 feet from third base. We are to find the
distance of the throw, to the nearest tenth of a foot.
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Step 1: Understand the Baseball Field Layout
In a standard baseball diamond:
- The bases form a square with sides of
90 feet.
- The coordinates of the bases are typically set as:
-
Home plate: (0, 0)
-
First base: (90, 0)
-
Second base: (90, 90)
-
Third base: (0, 90)
So:
- Home plate = (0, 0)
- First base = (90, 0)
- Third base = (0, 90)
The point the ball is thrown to is
10 feet from third base,
toward home plate.
Since third base is at (0, 90) and home plate is at (0, 0), the line between them is vertical along the y-axis.
So moving
10 feet from third base toward home plate means going
down the y-axis by 10 feet:
> $$
> (0, 90) \to (0, 90 - 10) = (0, 80)
> $$
✔ So the
target point is
(0, 80).
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Step 2: Use Distance Formula
We want the distance from
first base (90, 0) to the point
(0, 80).
Use the distance formula:
$$
d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2}
$$
Plug in:
- $ x_1 = 90, y_1 = 0 $
- $ x_2 = 0, y_2 = 80 $
$$
d = \sqrt{(0 - 90)^2 + (80 - 0)^2}
= \sqrt{(-90)^2 + (80)^2}
= \sqrt{8100 + 6400}
= \sqrt{14500}
$$
Now compute $ \sqrt{14500} $:
$$
\sqrt{14500} \approx 120.415...
$$
Rounded to the nearest tenth:
$$
\boxed{120.4} \text{ feet}
$$
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✔ Final Answer:
$$
\boxed{120.4} \text{ feet}
$$
This matches the handwritten solution.
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📌 Summary:
- The throw is from
first base (90, 0) to a point
10 ft from third base toward home plate, which is
(0, 80).
- Using the distance formula:
$$
d = \sqrt{(90)^2 + (80)^2} = \sqrt{14500} \approx 120.4 \text{ ft}
$$
-
✔ Correct answer:
120.4 feet.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of distance formula word problems worksheet.