Question

Mr. Roberts faced west. He walked ten steps forward. Then, without turning, he took five sideways steps to his right. Then, he took seven steps backward. Then, he turned left and walked six steps forward. Then, he turned right and took three steps backward. Which direction is Mr. Roberts facing, and how far is he from where he started?

Please explain why as well.

Answer 1

Mr Roberts is facing west and is 5 spaces from where he started because if you actually follow his steps you can see that he goes in almost a rectangle.

Answer 2

West

6 steps from the origin counting from the north direction.

Explanation:

First, he is facing west. He walks + 10 steps in the west direction. He then took five side steps. He will be still facing west. Seven steps backwards he will be - 7 steps in the west. Turned left, he faces North. and walks + 6 steps. Then he turned right. He faces west again, and walks - 3 steps backward.

So, he is +6 steps from where he started, however, counting from the point of origin on the north direction.