Question

A motor boat is headed at a velocity of 25 kilometers/hour toward the north, while the velocity of the water current is 12 kilometers/hour to the west. What is the magnitude of the boat’s resultant velocity?

A. 37.7 kilometers/hour
B. 13.5 kilometers/hour
C. 12.5 kilometers/hour
D. 25.0 kilometers/hour
E. 27.7 kilometers/hour

Answer 1

To determine the magnitude of the boat's resultant velocity, we use the Pythagorean theorem. That is,
v = sqrt (x² + y²)
Substituting,
v = sqrt (25² + 12²) = 27.73 kilometers/hour
Thus, the answer is letter E.