An explorer is caught in a whiteout (in which the snowfall is so thick that the

Question

An explorer is caught in a whiteout (in which the snowfall is so thick that the ground cannot be distinguished from the sky) while returning to base camp. He was supposed to travel due north for 4.8 km, but when the snow clears, he discovers that he actually traveled 7.8 km at 45° north of due east.

(a) How far must he now travel to reach base camp?


(b) In what direction must he travel?

Explanation / Answer

Well, we have to find out the components of his distance, east==> cos 45 = x/7.8 x= 5.515 km north==> sin 45 = y/7.8 y = 5.515 km Now this means he needs to travel west 5.515 km and south .715 km (5.515 - 4.8) a) Use pythagorean theorem, (5.515)^2 + (7.15)^2 = x^2 x= 5.561 km b) to find direction, use trigonometry, tan x = .715 / 5.515 x= 7.387 degrees south of west

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.