In this activity, students use the Pythagorean theorem as a tool to solve problems involving diagonal distances. In a quick prelude, students reason with the Pythagorean theorem and with rates in a situation that they may encounter in their daily lives: taking a shortcut to save time. Students then determine the best path to a taco truck from a spot on the beach. The activity culminates in a class-wide race!

Z Proportions
Becca Hirsbrunner photographed this fabulously constructed Z proportions letter. Interestingly, every element but the diagonal bar can be rationalized.