232k views
1 vote
A fox leaves its den and travels 725 yards northeast, then 950 yards west. How far, in yards is the fox from its den

1 Answer

2 votes

Final answer:

The fox is approximately 758.3 yards from its den after traveling 725 yards northeast and 950 yards west.

Step-by-step explanation:

The fox first travels 725 yards northeast, which can be represented as a displacement vector. This vector has a magnitude of 725 yards and is at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the positive x-axis.

Next, the fox travels 950 yards west, which can also be represented as a displacement vector. This vector has a magnitude of 950 yards and is in the opposite direction of the positive x-axis.

To find the fox's net displacement, we can add the two displacement vectors.

The x-component of the net displacement is the sum of the x-components of the individual displacement vectors, which is 725 yards - 950 yards = -225 yards.

The y-component of the net displacement is the sum of the y-components of the individual displacement vectors, which is 725 yards.

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can find the magnitude of the net displacement:

magnitude = sqrt((-225)^2 + 725^2) ≈ sqrt(50625 + 525625) ≈ sqrt(576250) ≈ 758.3 yards

Therefore, the fox is approximately 758.3 yards from its den.

User Muhammad Razib
by
7.9k points