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A sparrow flies 26 km at a bearing of 042°.

It then flies 49 km due south and lands.
How far south of its starting point does the sparrow land?
Give your answer to 1 d. p.

A sparrow flies 26 km at a bearing of 042°. It then flies 49 km due south and lands-example-1

1 Answer

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The resultant displacement of the Sparrow from its staring point is determined as 34.4 km.

How to calculate the resultant displacement of the Sparrow?

The resultant displacement of the Sparrow from its staring point is calculated by applying cosine rule as follows;

c² = a² + b² - (2ab cos (C)

where;

  • a and b are the known sides of the triangle
  • C is the angle between side a and b
  • c is the third side of the triangle

From the diagram attached;

R² = 26² + 49² - (2 x 26 x 49 x cos (42))

R² = 676 + 2401 - (1893.53)

R² = 3077 - 1893.53

R² = 1183.47

R = √1183.47

R = 34.4 km

Thus, the distance south of its starting point the sparrow landed is 34.4 km.

A sparrow flies 26 km at a bearing of 042°. It then flies 49 km due south and lands-example-1
User Peter Hajas
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