A man drives 12k west, then 15km north, then 20 km east....

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a man driving a series of distances in different directions: 12 km west, 15 km north, and 20 km east. The objective is to determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement from the starting point.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants express confusion about the question and seek clarification on how to approach the problem. Others suggest visualizing the scenario by drawing a map or graph to better understand the displacement. There are mentions of breaking down the problem into components and using coordinate geometry.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring different methods to conceptualize and solve the problem. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of drawings and the importance of understanding the components of displacement, but no consensus or final solution has been reached.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted the need for clarity on the formulas and methods to use, with references to trigonometry and Pythagorean theorem as potential tools for solving the problem.

speedyboy

Homework Statement


A man drives 12k west, then 15km north, then 20 km east.
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement[/B]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I don't get the question and I really have no idea how to solve this problem, can someone help me :([/B]
 
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They are asking how far and in what direction the end point is from the start.

Draw a map to scale.
 
speedyboy said:

Homework Statement


A man drives 12k west, then 15km north, then 20 km east.
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement[/B]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I don't get the question and I really have no idea how to solve this problem, can someone help me :([/B]

Do you drive a car? If so, just imagine it is YOU who are doing the driving. At the end of your little trip you end up somewhere, and the question is just asking you to figure out where that would be in relation to your starting point. If you do not drive a car, just imagine that you are a passenger in a car driven by somebody else.
 
How do I determine the magnitude and direction of the displacement? What formula will I use
 
speedyboy said:
How do I determine the magnitude and direction of the displacement? What formula will I use

Step 1: get the ##(x,y)## (East,North) components of the final point.

Step 2: THEN (and ONY then) worry about how to find the magnitude and direction.

That last task is just elementary "coordinate geometry", which you have probably already taken.

Alternatively, you can follow the advice of CWatters in post #2, and draw the path carefully on a sheet of graph paper, then use a ruler and a compass to get an answer. That approach might be worth at least part marks.
 
Last edited:
speedyboy said:
How do I determine the magnitude and direction of the displacement? What formula will I use
Trigonometry an Pythagoras is all you need.

If you make a drawing and mark up the distances on it all should become clear.
 

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