Math Problem Statement
A hiker walks from the drop-off and initially covers 3000 m, 35° north of west. He then traveled another 5500 m heading to 10° west of north. Finally, he reached his destination by walking 1500 m due north. What is his total displacement? Scale: 1 cm = 1000 m Solve this problem using protactor
Solution
To solve this problem using a protractor, we'll break it down step by step by drawing the vectors, measuring angles, and then calculating the total displacement vector.
Step 1: Drawing the vectors
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First vector (3000 m, 35° north of west):
- Start by drawing the first vector 3 cm long (since 1 cm = 1000 m) at an angle of 35° north of west. This angle means you should draw the vector 35° above the westward direction.
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Second vector (5500 m, 10° west of north):
- From the endpoint of the first vector, draw the second vector 5.5 cm long at an angle of 10° west of north. This angle means you should draw the vector 10° to the left of the northward direction.
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Third vector (1500 m due north):
- From the endpoint of the second vector, draw the third vector 1.5 cm long directly upward (due north).
Step 2: Measuring the resultant vector
- After drawing the three vectors, the resultant vector (total displacement) is the straight line from the starting point (origin) to the final endpoint of the third vector.
- Measure the length of this line using your ruler. Convert the length in centimeters to meters (multiply by 1000).
Step 3: Measuring the angle of the resultant vector
- Use the protractor to measure the angle of this resultant vector relative to a reference direction (typically north or east).
Example Calculation (Approximate):
- Draw the first vector, 3 cm at 35° north of west.
- From the endpoint of this vector, draw the second vector, 5.5 cm at 10° west of north.
- From the endpoint of this vector, draw the third vector, 1.5 cm due north.
- Measure the resultant displacement vector length.
- Suppose the length is approximately 8 cm, then the displacement is 8000 m.
- Measure the angle using the protractor relative to north (let’s say it’s approximately 25° east of north).
Step 4: Conclusion
The total displacement would be approximately 8000 m at 25° east of north.
Would you like to ask any more detailed questions or require clarification? Here are some related problems:
- How do you calculate displacement using the Pythagorean theorem?
- What is the difference between distance and displacement?
- How do vector components help in calculating displacement?
- Can displacement be negative? Explain.
- What is the significance of using a protractor in vector problems?
- How do angles affect the resultant displacement in vector addition?
- How can you determine the direction of the resultant vector without a protractor?
- How does vector subtraction differ from vector addition?
Tip: When drawing vectors, ensure your angles are accurate using the protractor to avoid errors in calculating displacement.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vectors
Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Formulas
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Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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