Displacement Problem: Solve 5th & 3rd Turn

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a man moving in a series of turns, specifically 500m forward followed by a 60° turn, and determining his displacement after the 3rd and 5th turns. The context is rooted in geometric interpretation and displacement calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the geometric representation of the man's path, with one suggesting it resembles an equilateral triangle. There is a question about the correctness of the angle of turns and whether the path forms a hexagon.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, questioning assumptions about the angles involved and exploring the implications of those angles on the shape of the path. Some guidance has been offered regarding the correct interpretation of the turns.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the angle of turns, with one participant initially considering the angle with respect to the backward path. This has led to a reevaluation of the problem's geometric nature.

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Homework Statement


A man starts from "O" moves 500m , turns by 60° and moves 500m again again turns by 60° and moves 500m and so on. Find the displacement after 1) 5th turn 2) 3rd turn (assume each turn is clockwise from the man's point of view.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried drawing a diagram and I think it looks like an equilateral triangle with the man going through the same path after every 3rd turn. And so after some counting I concluded that the answers are 1) 500m and 2) 0m . But the correct answers are 500 and 1000 m respectively. Is my method wrong? How do i solve this?
 
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takando12 said:

Homework Statement


A man starts from "O" moves 500m , turns by 60° and moves 500m again again turns by 60° and moves 500m and so on. Find the displacement after 1) 5th turn 2) 3rd turn (assume each turn is clockwise from the man's point of view.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


I tried drawing a diagram and I think it looks like an equilateral triangle with the man going through the same path after every 3rd turn. And so after some counting I concluded that the answers are 1) 500m and 2) 0m . But the correct answers are 500 and 1000 m respectively. Is my method wrong? How do i solve this?
I think you're turning by 120° .
 
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SammyS said:
I think you're turning by 120° .
oh. I took the angle with respect to the backward path. Stupid mistake. Anyway does it turn out to be a hexagon now? I am able to get the right answers.
Thanks a lot sir.
 
takando12 said:
oh. I took the angle with respect to the backward path. Stupid mistake. Anyway does it turn out to be a hexagon now? I am able to get the right answers.
Thanks a lot sir.
Yes, a hexagon.
 
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