Solving the Physics Puzzle: Cycling and Driving Velocities

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The discussion revolves around calculating the relative velocities of a cyclist and a driver. The driver moves north at 28 m/s, while the cyclist travels west at 7 m/s. To find the cyclist's velocity relative to the driver, vector subtraction is suggested, but the user is confused about the directionality and how to apply the Pythagorean theorem. There is a request for assistance in expressing these velocities as vectors to facilitate the calculations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding vector representation in solving motion problems in physics.
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Hello everyone, I am new to this forum and very much interested in physics. As a student, I find motion is my weakness in this subject. Hopefully everyone can help me out :)

Homework Statement


While driving North at a velocity of 28ms^-1 relative to the ground, a man notices a cyclist crossing the road ahead. The cyclist is traveling West at 7ms^-1 relative to the ground.


Homework Equations


(a) What is the velocity of the cyclist relative to the driver?
(b) What is the velocity of the driver relative to the cyclist?


The Attempt at a Solution


For (a) I thought of subtracting the two values, however (b) has the values the other way around, therefore it doesn't make sense to me. Perhaps I could use the Pythrogem's theorem a^2 + b^2 = c^2 but would it be correct? I'm very unsure of quoting the directions in the answers.


Thankyou.
 
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As a first step, can you write the velocities of the man and cyclist (with respect to the ground) as vectors?
 
I'm not very sure how to write them as vectors, I think it's something I am quite unsure of. The question didn't say anymore than that.

I've been putting an effort to work my way through but I reached the block and nowseeking help.
 
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