Question

Use the Pythagorean theorem to solve this problem. William walks 3.0 miles south and then turns and walks 4.0 miles west. What is his displacement?

Answer 1

a²+b²=c²
3²+4²=c²
9+16=c²
25=c²
√25=√c²

c = 5

Answer 2

Answer: His displacement will be 5 miles.

Explanation:

Since we have given that

Distance traveled by William towards South = 3 miles

Distance traveled by William towards West = 4 miles

So, it will form "Right angled triangle "

So, we can apply "Pythagorus theorem "

`a^2+b^2=c^2\\\\4^2+3^2=c^2\\\\16+9=c^2\\\\25=c^2\\\\√(25)=c\\\\5\ miles=c`

Hence, His displacement will be 5 miles.