Final answer:
The magnitude of the resultant vector can be found using the Pythagorean theorem. In this case, the resultant vector has a magnitude of approximately 13.9 meters. Therefore, the correct answer is option a) 14.4 meters.
Step-by-step explanation:
The magnitude of the resultant vector can be found using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that in a right triangle, the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. In this case, the 13 meter vector east and the 5 meter vector north form a right triangle. The hypotenuse, which is the resultant vector, can be found by calculating:
R = √(13^2 + 5^2) = √(169 + 25) = √194 ≈ 13.9 meters.
Rounding to the nearest tenth gives us an answer of approximately 13.9 meters. Therefore, the correct option is a) 14.4 meters.