Question

A quarterback back pedals 2.1 meters northward and then runs 7.4 meters southward

What is the magnitude and direction of the displacement

Answer 1

-5.3 m

Step-by-step explanation:

Consider north to be the positive direction, and south to be the negative direction. Adding up the displacements gives

(+2.1m) + (-7.4m) = 2.1 - 7.4m = -5.3m (southward direction)

This makes sense because if he travels 2.1 m north, then 7.4 south, he would end up south of where he started because he passed 2.1 m and went further