1. Lesson 1

1.8. Explore 4

Mathematics 30-3 Module 5

Module 5: Geometry

 

You have determined how triangles can be classified and how angles can be calculated.

 

In the next Try This, you will explore how unknown side lengths of right triangles can be determined.

 

Try This 3

 

The following is a simple diagram of the infield of a baseball diamond. The baselines are drawn from home plate to first base, from first base to second base, from second base to third base, and from third base to home plate.

 

This diamond shape shows first base, second base, third base, and home plate located at the corners.

 

 

 

 

This is a photograph of a man throwing a ball to another man sitting in a wheelchair.

Huntstock/Thinkstock

The distance between each of the three bases and home plate is 90 ft. All angles formed by the baselines are right angles.

  1. Imagine the catcher (at home plate) has to throw the baseball to second base.
    1. What type of triangle is formed when the vertices are home plate, first base, and second base?
    2. How far is it from home plate to second base?
  2. If the shortstop is placed somewhere between second base and third base, describe the location of this player in order to form each of the following triangles:
    1. an acute triangle with the shortstop, third base, and home plate as the vertices
    2. an obtuse triangle with the shortstop, third base, and home plate as the vertices
    3. a right triangle with the shortstop, third base, and home plate as the vertices
  3. A base runner is 30 ft from second base on her way to third base.
    1. How far is she from home plate in a straight-line distance?
    2. How far is she from home plate if she continues to run the bases?

course folder Save your responses in your course folder.

The shortstop does not have to be on the baseline between second and third base.
The Pythagorean theorem, a2 + b2 = c2, can be used.