解:在$Rt\triangle ABD$中,$∠B = 90°$
根据勾股定理$AB^2=AD^2-BD^2。$
∵$AD = 4,$$BD = 1$
∴$AB^2=4^2-1^2= 15$
又∵$BC=BD + DC=1 + 3 = 4$
$ $在$Rt\triangle ABC$中,$∠B = 90°$
根据勾股定理$AC^2=AB^2+BC^2$
∵$AB^2=15,$$BC = 4$
∴$AC=\sqrt {15+4^2}=\sqrt {15 + 16}=\sqrt {31}$