Easy velocity/acceleration problem, could use some help please

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a backpacker walking with varying velocities in different directions, specifically calculating the distance walked east based on average velocities and total distances. The subject area pertains to kinematics, focusing on velocity and distance relationships.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the setup of equations relating to time and distance for the backpacker's journey. There are attempts to clarify the derivation of specific values and the algebra involved in manipulating the equations. Questions arise regarding the signs used in the equations and the arithmetic involved in reaching a solution.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various attempts to understand the problem setup and the algebraic manipulation required. Some participants express confusion about specific values and signs in the equations, while others seek further clarification on the algebraic steps needed to progress. There is no explicit consensus, but participants are engaging in a productive dialogue to explore the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential typos in the equations and express uncertainty about the arithmetic leading to their answers. The original poster indicates difficulty in arriving at the correct answer, suggesting that there may be missing information or misunderstandings in the problem setup.

buyerat
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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
 
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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.
 

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