Question

A man walks 30 m towards south. Then, turning to his right, he walks 30 m. Then, turning to his left, he walks 20 m. Again, turning to his left, he walks 30 m. How far is he from his starting point?

• A. 80 m
• B. 30 m
• C. 50 m
• D. 20 m

Answer 1

Answer:

C. 50 m

He is 50 metres away from his starting point.

• Initial position: Assume the starting point is at coordinates (0, 0).

• First movement: He walks 30 m South $\rightarrow$ position is (0, -30).

• Second movement: He turns right (West) and walks 30 m $\rightarrow$ position is (-30, -30).

• Third movement: He turns left (South) and walks 20 m $\rightarrow$ position is (-30, -50).

• Fourth movement: He turns left (East) and walks 30 m $\rightarrow$ position is (0, -50).

The final position (0, -50) is exactly 50 metres South of the starting point (0, 0).