Math Problem Statement

A man starts at A and walks 2 km on a bearing of 017°. He then walks 3 km on a bearing of 107° to C. What is the bearing of C from A?

Solution

This is a bearings and distances problem. We need to find the bearing of point CC from point AA.

Given:

  • A man starts at point AA.
  • Walks 2 km on a bearing of 017017^\circ (from the north).
  • Then walks 3 km on a bearing of 107107^\circ to reach point CC.

To solve:

We will treat the journey as a vector problem and use trigonometry (sine and cosine rules) to determine the bearing of CC from AA.

  1. Step 1: Plot the vectors.

    • Vector ABAB represents the first leg of the journey, 2 km at a bearing of 017017^\circ.
    • Vector BCBC represents the second leg, 3 km at a bearing of 107107^\circ.
  2. Step 2: Break the vectors into components.

    • For ABAB: Bearing is 017017^\circ, so: x1=2sin(17),y1=2cos(17)x_1 = 2 \sin(17^\circ), \quad y_1 = 2 \cos(17^\circ)
    • For BCBC: Bearing is 107107^\circ, so: x2=3sin(107),y2=3cos(107)x_2 = 3 \sin(107^\circ), \quad y_2 = 3 \cos(107^\circ) These components will help us calculate the final position of CC relative to AA.
  3. Step 3: Combine the components.

    • The total horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components will give us the overall displacement from AA to CC.
  4. Step 4: Calculate the bearing. The bearing from AA to CC can be found using: θ=tan1(total xtotal y)\theta = \tan^{-1} \left( \frac{\text{total x}}{\text{total y}} \right) Adjust the angle to ensure it's measured from north in a clockwise direction.

I'll calculate these values next.The bearing of point CC from point AA is approximately 73.3173.31^\circ.

Would you like further details or clarification on any part of this process?

Here are 5 related questions for further practice:

  1. How do you convert bearings from degrees to radians?
  2. What is the difference between true bearing and compass bearing?
  3. How would the bearing change if the man walked south instead of north first?
  4. How can you use the cosine rule to solve for bearings in triangle problems?
  5. How do you apply vector addition in solving navigation problems like this?

Tip: When calculating bearings, always measure clockwise from north, and ensure the final bearing is adjusted to lie between 0° and 360°.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Bearings
Vector Addition

Formulas

x = d * sin(θ)
y = d * cos(θ)
θ = tan^(-1)(x / y)

Theorems

Sine Rule
Cosine Rule

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12