Word Problem Wednesday: Ants!

Dec 8, 2016 | Burlingame

For this installment of Word Problem Wednesday, we're challenging you to use your high school geometry knowledge to solve a creepy crawly word problem! Give it a try and check back tomorrow for the answer.

Believe it or not, ants use math to get food efficiently. Instead of following the shortest path to food, ants take the path that will take the least time. Please refer to the diagram above. The shortest route from the ant to the cookie is two inches. Because of the terrain, the ant can get to the cookie faster if it turns 45° to the left and then 135° to the right. Exactly how much greater is the distance of the path that takes less time?

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