Discover the Formula for Calculating Displacement | Explained in Simple Steps

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SUMMARY

The formula for calculating displacement is not fixed; it varies based on the context of the problem. Displacement is defined as the difference between the starting and ending points. For example, in a scenario where a taxi travels 10 meters south and then 20 meters east, the displacement can be calculated using the Pythagorean theorem to find the hypotenuse of the resulting right triangle. Additionally, displacement can be determined using the formula d = v * t, where 'd' represents displacement, 'v' is average velocity, and 't' is time.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic geometry, specifically the Pythagorean theorem
  • Familiarity with algebraic manipulation of equations
  • Knowledge of average velocity concepts
  • Basic understanding of motion and displacement in physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the Pythagorean theorem for calculating distances in two-dimensional space
  • Learn about average velocity and its applications in physics
  • Explore different methods for calculating displacement in various motion scenarios
  • Investigate real-world applications of displacement in fields such as engineering and navigation
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Students studying physics, educators teaching motion concepts, and professionals in fields requiring an understanding of displacement and motion analysis.

licia589
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hi i was just wondering what is the formula to figure out displacement
 
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well the displacement is the difference between your starting point and ending point so their is no set formula for figuring it out. It depends on the problem. For example if you had a taxi car driver heading south for 10meters and then he makes a right turn and heads east for 20meters and you have to find the displacement of his trip you would find the hypotenuse of the right triange. And in a different problem.. if you have like the velocity and the time and you need to find the displacement of the trip you could plug it into the velocity=displacement/change in time equation and get it that way through algebra.. but there are many different ways.. sorry I am rambling.. if you have a specific question it may help more
 
Since you ask for a formula, this is probably what you want:

"average velocity" is defined as displacment/time so v= d/t and, therefore, d= v*t.
 

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