Step 1 :Let A be the starting point, B be the point where the boy turns right. Then form a triangle \(\triangle ABP\) , where P is where the motorcycle breaks down.
Step 2 :Use the law of cosines: \(AP^2 = AB^2 + BP^2 - 2(AB)(BP)cos(\theta)\) , where \(\theta\) is the angle at B between the path of AB and BP. However, we don't know \(\theta\) directly, we can find \(\alpha = 180^{\circ} - \theta\), where \(\alpha\) is the angle between AB and the road.
Step 3 :Using \(\alpha = 180^{\circ} - 16.5^{\circ}\), we have \(\alpha = 163.5^{\circ}\). Thus, \(\theta = 16.5^{\circ}\).
Step 4 :Now use the law of cosines with sides AB = 5.50 miles, BP = 7.25 miles, and \(\theta = 16.5^{\circ}\) to find AP.
Step 5 :\(AP^2 = (5.50)^2 + (7.25)^2 - 2(5.50)(7.25)cos(16.5^{\circ})\)
Step 6 :By calculating, we have \(AP \approx 7.31\) miles.