Hiker Displacement: Find Distance East

[ayerski]

Homework Statement

In reaching her destination, a backpacker walks with an average velocity of 1.34 m/s die west. This average velocity results because she hikes for 6.44 km with an average velocity of 2.68 m/s, due west, turns around, and hikes with an average velocity of .447 m/s due east. How far east did she walk?

Homework Equations

velocity formula number 2

The Attempt at a Solution

Trying to use multiple variables to solve but need a push in the right direction

 

[ryan88]

I'm not sure if this is correct, but the way I would do it is to compare the times taken for the first two parts of the journey with the time taken for the overall journey.

Using:

$$t=\frac{x}{v}$$

gives the following equation which can easily be solved for x to find the distance due east.

$$\frac{6440}{2.68} + \frac{x}{0.447} = \frac{6440-x}{1.34}$$

I hope that helps.

Ryan