Understanding Scalar and Vector in 2-D Uniform Motion Problem

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The fishing boat travels a total distance of 8.5 km over 2 hours, resulting in an average speed of 4.25 km/h. To calculate average velocity, one must consider direction, leading to a final answer of 1.95 km/h at an angle of S50E. Understanding the difference between scalar (speed) and vector (velocity) is crucial, as vector addition involves direction. Setting up a coordinate system with the x-axis as east-west and the y-axis as north-south aids in solving the problem. Mastery of these concepts is essential for accurately determining motion in two-dimensional space.
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A fishing boat leaves port at 04:30 h in search of the day's catch. The boat travels 4.50km[E], then 2.50km, and finally 1.50km[W] before discovering a large school of fish on the sonar screen at 06:30h.

a) What is the boat's average speed.
b) Calculate the boat's average velocity.Solved a) by finding the total distance (8.5Km) and dividing it by the total time(2h).
I got 4.25km/h for my a). Which I have solved.

Don't understand b) at all.. Please help the answer is 1.95km/h[S50E]
 
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Try vector addition. Set up your coordinates so that the x-axis corresponds to east-west and the y-axis corresponds to north-south and have the boat start at the origin.
 
I think you have to understand what is speed and velocity thus you have to know what is scalar and vector.

Different set of mathematical rules apply to scalar and vector example addition.
 

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