Multiple choice general knowledge

A person travels 12 km due North, then 15 km due East, after that 15 km due West and then 18 km due South. How far is he from the starting point?

  1. 6 km

  2. 12 km

  3. 20 km

  4. 32 km
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

The person's final position can be calculated using vector addition. Starting at origin: North 12 km (0,12), East 15 km (15,12), West 15 km (0,12), South 18 km (0,-6). Final coordinates are (0,-6), which is 6 km South of starting point. Distance from origin = |0| + |-6| = 6 km. This is a Pythagorean theorem problem disguised as movement vectors. The East-West movements cancel out (15-15=0), leaving only North-South displacement: 12-18=-6 km.

Keep practicing — related questions