What Is the Camper's Displacement?

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The discussion revolves around calculating the camper's displacement after traveling in three different directions. The camper's movements include traveling 80m at 30°, 110m at 160°, and 42m at 195°. The calculations for the resultant x and y components (Rx and Ry) were initially correct, but an error was identified in the third segment of the travel. Additionally, there was confusion regarding the square root of negative numbers, which should not occur in this context. The final displacement calculated was approximately 235.77m, highlighting the importance of accuracy in vector addition.
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Homework Statement


T camper went 80m in the direction of 30°. He then turned and traveled 110m in the direction of 160°. Finally, the camper walked 42m at 195°. What was the camper's displacemnt

Homework Equations


sqrt{Rx^2+Ry^2}


The Attempt at a Solution


Rx
80cos30
110cos160
190cos45
Rx=110.83

Ry
80sin30
110sin160
195sin42
Ry=210.10

(sq. root of (110.83^2+208.1^2))=235.77m


 
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You have the right method. But You've got the third section of his travel wrong. It was 42m at 195 degrees, but you've used something different in your answer.
 
thnxs i didn't realize that i made a mistake. i thought i was doing something wrong.
 
How do you do the square root of a negative? I'm assuming you just make it positive but I'm not sure.
 
why do you want to square root a negative number? That shouldn't happen in this question.

Do you mean what is a negative number squared?
 

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