Find the shortest distance from a to c in the diagram below.

The shortest distance from A to C is

Step-by-step explanation:

see the attached figure to better understand the problem

we know that

The shortest distance from A to C is the hypotenuse of the right triangle AYC

Applying the Pythagoras Theorem

step 1

Find the length YC (hypotenuse of the right triangle YBC)

Applying the Pythagoras Theorem

substitute the given values

step 2

Find the shortest distance from A to C

substitute the given values

they are simplified

step-by-step explanation:

we have three similar triangles, because each has a right angle and shares an angle.   let's write the angles in order: opposite to short leg, long leg, hypotenuse.

cab similar to bad similar to cbd

or as ratios,

ca: ab: cb = ba: ad: bd = cb: bd: cd

we also know

ac = ad + cd

(ad+cd): ab: cb = ba: ad: bd = cb: bd: cd

(ad+cd)/cb=cb/cd

we have cb=6, ad=5 and seek x=cd.

we reject the negative root and conclude x=4

answer: 4