What is the run length of a 45-degree offset that has a travel of 40 inches?

To determine the run length of a 45-degree offset when the travel is 40 inches, it is essential to understand the geometry of the offset. A 45-degree offset essentially creates a right triangle where both legs (the vertical and horizontal components of the offset) are of equal length due to the 45-degree angle.

Given that the travel (the distance measured directly between points before and after the offset) is 40 inches, the hypotenuse of this right triangle represents that travel. In a 45-degree offset triangle, the formula to find the leg length (run length) is:

Run length = Travel / √2.

When substituting the travel into the formula:

Run length = 40 inches / √2 ≈ 40 inches / 1.4142 ≈ 28.28 inches.

When rounded to a more precise inch measurement, this can be closely approximated as 28-1/4 inches.

Thus, the calculated run length of 28-1/4 inches corresponds correctly with the required parameters of a 45-degree offset involving a travel of 40 inches. This is the rationale behind the correct answer.