Question

If a train travels 80 miles north, 60 miles east, what’s the magnitude of its total displacement? Find the solution by drawing a diagram. ____ miles.

Answer 1

100 miles North East.

Step-by-step explanation:

Please see attached photo for diagram.

In the attached photo, X represents the magnitude of the total displacement of the train.

Thus, we can obtain the value of X by using the pythagoras theory as illustrated below:

X² = 80² + 60²

X² = 6400 + 3600

X² = 10000

Take the square root of both side

X = √10000

X = 100 miles.

Therefore, the magnitude of the total displacement of the train is 100 miles North East.