Finding the Shortest Path in a Vector Space

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on calculating the displacement and shortest path for a fly moving in a room with specific dimensions. The magnitude of the fly's displacement is determined using the formula involving the room's height, width, and length, resulting in a value of 8.30 m. For the shortest walking path, the correct formula involves identifying the dimensions correctly, specifically distinguishing between width and length. The participant expresses confusion over which dimensions correspond to width and length but concludes that the shorter distance represents the width. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly identifying dimensions to solve vector-related problems effectively.
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Homework Statement



A room has dimensions 2.95 m (height) × 4.68 m × 6.19 m. A fly starting at one corner flies around, ending up at the diagonally opposite corner. (a) What is the magnitude of its displacement? (b) If the fly walks rather than flies, what is the length of the shortest path it can take?


2. Relevant topic
Vectors


The Attempt at a Solution


SQ RT √(2.952+ (x)2); x = SQ RT of √(4.682 + 6.192)
= 8.30

Part B, I have problems with as I do not know which one is width/length : (

The answer is
SQ RT
√((w+h)2 + (l)2)
But because I do not know which is which I have a slight dilemma... Is there a way to tell?
 
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Shorter distance is width.
 
rl.bhat said:
Shorter distance is width.

Thank you very much.
 

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