Question

A runner jogs 14 miles in one direction. He then turns around and jogs 18 miles in the opposite direction.

(a) How far is the runner from his starting position?

(a) 4 miles
(b) 32 miles
(c) 14 miles
(d) 18 miles

Answer 1

The runner's displacement from the starting position is 4 miles, calculated by subtracting the distance jogged in one direction from the distance jogged in the opposite direction.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the displacement of the runner from the starting position, we simply need to consider the net change in position. The runner jogs 14 miles in one direction and then 18 miles back in the opposite direction. So, the displacement can be calculated by subtracting the first distance from the second:

• 18 miles (in one direction) - 14 miles (back in the opposite direction) = 4 miles

Therefore, the runner is 4 miles from his starting position, which corresponds to option (a).