Calculate Larry's Average Velocity: Home to Lamppost to Tree | Velocity Homework

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Larry's average velocity from home to the lamppost is calculated using the formula v=d/t, where the distance to the lamppost is 371 m and the time taken is 9 minutes, resulting in a velocity of 0.687 m/s. However, the discussion highlights confusion regarding the direction of the velocity, as the positive x-axis is assumed to point east. It is suggested that the average velocity should account for the direction, indicating a need for a negative sign since the lamppost is west of home. Additionally, there is a clarification that the question likely intended to ask for the average velocity from home to the tree, which is 630 m east of home. The conversation emphasizes the importance of direction in calculating average velocity.
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Homework Statement



Larry leaves home at 11:08 and runs at a constant speed to the lamppost. He reaches the lamppost at 11:17, immediately turns, and runs to the tree. Larry arrives at the tree at 11:22. What is Larry's average velocity during his trip from home to the lamppost, if the lamppost is 371.0 m west of home, and the tree is 630.0 m east of home?

Homework Equations



v=d/t

The Attempt at a Solution



This is what I've done:
d=371 m
t = (9*60) = 540 s

v=371/540
=0.687 m/s

I'm just wondering what I am doing wrong can someone please help me
 
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I am wondering what you are doing wrong as well. Why do you think it is wrong? Because I think you did the calculation correctly.
 
Is the positive direction of the x-axis pointing east or west? If it's pointing east then you're missing a minus sign.
 
I strongly suspect that the question meant to ask for the average
velocity from home to the tree.
 
Thanks and I was missing the a negative
 
The book claims the answer is that all the magnitudes are the same because "the gravitational force on the penguin is the same". I'm having trouble understanding this. I thought the buoyant force was equal to the weight of the fluid displaced. Weight depends on mass which depends on density. Therefore, due to the differing densities the buoyant force will be different in each case? Is this incorrect?

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