Relative velocity with respect to image in the mirror

[agoogler]

Homework Statement

As shown in the figure, a man is running towards left with
constant velocity of 7 m/s. Also, a flat vertical mirror is moved
to the right with constant velocity of 9 m/s. Calculate the
relative velocity between the man and his image. Express
your answer in meter/second.

Figure -

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Since man is running to the left with velocity 7 then the image also must move right at 7 m/s. Also since the mirror is also moving , the total velocity of the image is 16 m/s towards right. So the relative velocity between the man and image should be 16+7= 23m/s . But the answer is incorrect . Please explain.

 

[barryj]

Well, think about this. If the person stands still and the mirror moves at 9 m/s how fast does the image move. Then add the fact that the man also moves at 7 m/s, what is the net result?

Here is another approach. Draw an initial diagram with the man say 1 meter in front of the mirror and then look at where the image is. Then move the man to the left 7 meters and the mirror to the right 9 meters and recalculate where the image is. What do you get?

 

[agoogler]

Well, think about this. If the person stands still and the mirror moves at 9 m/s how fast does the image move. Then add the fact that the man also moves at 7 m/s, what is the net result?

Here is another approach. Draw an initial diagram with the man say 1 meter in front of the mirror and then look at where the image is. Then move the man to the left 7 meters and the mirror to the right 9 meters and recalculate where the image is. What do you get?

Thanks a lot ! I got it. The answer is 32 m/s.