For solving triangle word problems, first of all, give to the question physical shape by drawing a sketch. Then solve triangle using Pythagorean Theorem (right triangle case). Remember, word problems involving triangle give two sides of the triangle and ask you to find the third side.
Example
John drove 10 miles east, 6 miles south, 5 miles west and 6 more miles south. How far was John from his starting point?
Solution:
First sketch a diagram and join the vacant points with a dotted line. Now observe that a right angle triangle is formed including hypotenuse between the starting and ending points.
Now calculate hypotenuse using PythagoreanhTheorem
