Question

Rakesh left home and walked 5km southwards, then turned right and walked 2km and again turned right and walked 5 km and finally again turned left and walked 5 km. The shortest distance between the final position and home is.

• A. 6 km
• B. 7 km
• C. 9 km
• D. 10 km

Hint:

Using a simple coordinate system (x,y) is one of the most reliable ways to solve path-tracing problems, especially for finding the shortest distance. North/South movement affects the y-coordinate, and East/West affects the x-coordinate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Determine Rakesh's displacement.
Assume the starting point is the origin.
- 5km South: Net displacement: -5 km (South).
- 2km West: Net displacement: -5 km (South), -2 km (West).
- 5km North: Net displacement: 0 km (South/North), -2 km (West).
- 5km West: Net displacement: 0 km (South/North), -7 km (West).
Step 2: Calculate final location and distance.
Final position: 7 km West of the start.
Shortest distance: 7 km.