I was doing this homework sheet and I could not solve this question.
2 aircrafts are flying at 530mph and at the same height along straight-line paths that are right angles to each other. Both aircrafts are flying towards the intersection part of the 2 paths. How fast is the distance between the 2 aircrafts decreasing when one aircraft is 6miles and the other aircraft is 9miles from the intersection part of the 2 paths?
To solve the question I drew a right angled triangle with lengths of 6 and 9. I am guessing from previous question I am trying to calculate the instantaneous rate of decrease on displacement (i.e. ds/dt) and it probably uses pythagoras if the two distances are perpendicular to each other.
Can someone please help me with using mathematical theories that are to complex for a non-maths student to understand. Thank you.