Carmen walked 15 blocks due north and 8 blocks west, but then she went directly back to her starting point, as shown by the dotted line. How far did Carmen travel to get back to where she started?

17 blocks

Explanation:

Because this will create a right triangle, you can find this using the Pythagorean Theorem.

A quick refresher (Or a lesson if you haven't learned this yet), the equation for the Pythagorean Theorem is a^2+b^2=c^2. A and B are the sides that make up the right angle and can be used interchangeably. C is the other side and the one we are going to find.

Let's first plug-in the numbers we already know.

a^2+b^2=c^2 -> 15^2+8^2=c^2

We'll then calculate 15^2 and 8^2

You'll find that this equals 225 and 64.

You now have 225+64=c^2

Add 225 and 64,

289=c^2

The final step is to simplify c^2 into c. You will have to square c^2 and because of that must also square 289

17=c

c=17

You now have your answer, Carmen walked 17 blocks to get back to her starting point.

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