Question

A student decides to spend spring break by driving 50 miles due east, then 50 miles 30 degrees south of east, then 50 miles 30 degrees south of that direction, and to continue to drive 50 miles deviating by 30 degrees each time until he returns to his original position. How far will he drive, and how many vectors must he sum to calculate his displacement

Answer 1

Answer:600 miles, 12

Explanation: The movement described in the question exhibits that of a polygon. Exhibiting a constant distance and angle with only varying direction until the starting point is reached.

The sum of exterior angles of a polygon = 360 degrees.

Exterior angle of a polygon = (360 ÷ number of sides)

Therefore,

Number of sides = 360 ÷ exterior angle

Exterior angle = 30 degrees

Hence,

Number of sides = 360 ÷ 30 = 12 sides

Since distance traveled of 50 miles is the same for each displacement ;

Total displacement = distance traveled * number of sides

Total displacement = 50 * 12 = 600 miles.