Task Right triangles factor into all kinds of scientific calculations. Physicists, astronomers,
engineers, and even sports coaches all use right triangles to determine unknown
quantities.
Directions for Students
In football, the path that a defender takes in an attempt to intercept the ball carrier is
called the angle of pursuit. The points where the ball carrier and the defenders start at
the same yard line and the point on the field where one of the defenders intercept the
ball carrier form a right triangle, as shown in the diagram
Two defenders and the ball carrier start at the same 40-yard line. Defender 1 starts 10
yards away from the ball carrier to the ball carrier's left. Defender 2 starts 30 yards away
from the ball carrier to the ball carrier's right. Defender 1 runs 1.1 times as fast as the
ball carrier. Defender 2 runs 1.25 times as fast as the ball carrier.
END ZONE
10
10
20
20
50
40
WO
Defender 1
Bal
Delender 2
carrier
Will either defender be able to reach the ball carrier before he runs the 40 yards he
needs to reach the end zone and score a touchdown? Provide evidence to support your
answer.