Arvin the Ant is on a picnic table.He travels 30 cm eastward,then 20 cm northward,and finally 15 cm westward.What is the magnitude of Arvin's net displacement?
A) 25 cm
B) 65 cm
C) 50 cm
D) 29 cm

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Arvin's net displacement can be found using the Pythagorean theorem. He ends up 15 cm east (30 cm east - 15 cm west) and 20 cm north. The net displacement is the hypotenuse of a right triangle with legs of 15 cm and 20 cm: √(15² + 20²) = √(225 + 400) = √625 = 25 cm.

Arvin the Ant Is on a Picnic Table