Easy velocity/acceleration problem, could use some help please

  • Thread starter Thread starter buyerat
  • Start date Start date
AI Thread Summary
A backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.21 m/s due west after hiking 6.44 km west at 2.54 m/s and then returning east at 0.470 m/s. The discussion revolves around calculating the distance walked east, with participants analyzing the time taken for each leg of the journey. There is confusion regarding the algebraic setup and the signs in the equations used to derive the average velocity. Clarifications are provided on the correct formulation of the equations, particularly regarding the positive sign for the distance variable. Ultimately, assistance leads to a resolution of the problem, allowing the original poster to find the correct answer.
buyerat
Messages
11
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



In reaching her destination, a backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.21 m/s, due west. This average velocity results because she hikes for 6.44 km with an average velocity of 2.54 m/s, due west, turns around, and hikes with an average velocity of 0.470 m/s, due east. How far east did she walk?

Homework Equations



V = Xf - Xo
T


The Attempt at a Solution


From what I understand the time it takes to go west 6440 plus the time it takes to go east = the total time it takes to go the full distance. I believe you set it up like

6440-X2 6440 X2
_____ = _____ + _____

0.470 2.54 0.470


I'm not sure if this is wrong or my arithmetic is just failing me. Any help would be great.

Thanks
 
Physics news on Phys.org
See the triple777's post.
 
I was just looking it over but I do not understand where you pulled 2.35 from
 
buyerat said:
I was just looking it over but I do not understand where you pulled 2.35 from
It is 1/0.425
 
Ok I don't really see why you do that, but I can figure it out hopefully. At the end you write the equation once as The average velocity 1.33 = (6440 - d)/(6440/2.6 + 2.35*d)
then at the end you said 1.33 = (6440 - d)/(2477 - 2.35d)

Is there some reason the signs are switched before the 2.35d? I'm not really sure how to do the algebra at the end either with moving it around if any help could come there.
I have something like 1.21 = (6440 - d)/(2535.43 + or minus i don't know 2.13d).
 
buyerat said:
Ok I don't really see why you do that, but I can figure it out hopefully. At the end you write the equation once as The average velocity 1.33 = (6440 - d)/(6440/2.6 + 2.35*d)
then at the end you said 1.33 = (6440 - d)/(2477 - 2.35d)

Is there some reason the signs are switched before the 2.35d? I'm not really sure how to do the algebra at the end either with moving it around if any help could come there.
I have something like 1.21 = (6440 - d)/(2535.43 + or minus i don't know 2.13d).
It should be +2.35*d. If it is -ve it is typo.
 
I really can't seem to get the right answer if you wouldn't mind helping further. I seem to be coming up with 2143.35m, but that does not seem to be the answer.
 
I got it now thank you very much for your help.
 
Back
Top