Question:medium

A person walks 3 km north, then turns east and walks 4 km, then turns south and walks 3 km. How far is he from his starting point?

Show Hint

  • Use a coordinate system (e.g., starting at origin (0,0)). North is +y, East is +x, South is -y, West is -x.
  • Track the coordinates after each movement.
  • Calculate the distance between the starting point and the final point using the distance formula $\sqrt{(x_2-x_1)^2 + (y_2-y_1)^2}$.
  • Or, visualize the path: North and South movements can cancel out. East and West movements can cancel out.
Updated On: Jan 16, 2026
  • 7 km
  • 4 km
  • 5 km
  • 3 km
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

The origin is defined as point $O$ at coordinates $(0, 0)$.
  • A movement of 3 km north leads to point $A$ at $(0, 3)$.
  • A subsequent turn east and a walk of 4 km results in point $B$ at $(4, 3)$.
  • A final turn south and a walk of 3 km concludes at point $C$ at $(4, 0)$.
The trajectory begins at $O(0, 0)$ and terminates at $C(4, 0)$.
The straight-line distance between the starting point and the final point is: \[ OC = \sqrt{(4 - 0)^2 + (0 - 0)^2} = \sqrt{16} = 4 \text{ km} \] An alternative perspective involves analyzing the path's net displacements:
  • The northward movement of 3 km is cancelled by the southward movement of 3 km, resulting in zero net vertical displacement.
  • The eastward movement of 4 km constitutes the entire net horizontal displacement.
Consequently, the overall displacement is 4 km eastward from the origin. \[ \boxed{4 \text{ km}} \]
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