Question

A man usually gets from one corner of a square lot to the opposite corner by walking along two of the sides. Approximately what percent of the distance does he save if he walks along the diagonal?

• A. $27\%$
• B. $29\%$
• C. $31\%$
• D. $33\%$
• E. $25\%$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$29\%$

Let the length of side of square be $a$
If a man walks from one corner to opposite corner through two sides, the distance covered by him is $2a$.
If he walks along diameter, the distance covered is $\sqrt{2}a$
the percent saved is $\frac{(2-\sqrt{2})a}{2a}=\frac{(2-\sqrt{2})}{2}=29\%$