Question

There is a staircase as shown in the given figure, connecting points A and B. Measurements of steps are marked in the figure. Find the straight line distance between A and B.

Answer 1

We are given the following figure with the related information

In the above figure complete the triangle ABC with right angled at C

So

AC = 2 + 2 + 2 + 2 = 8 and

BC = 1 + 1.6 + 1.6 + 1.8 = 6

Using Pythagoras theorem for triangle ABC to find

`AB^2=AC^2+BC^2`

`=8^2+6^2`

`=100`

`⇒ AB=10`

Hence the distance between A and B is 10 cm.