Question

John is traveling north at 20 meters/second and his friend Betty is traveling south at 20 meters/second. If north is the positive direction, what are John and Betty's speeds? A. -20 meters/second, 20 meters/second B. 20 meters/second, 20 meters/second C. -20 meters/second, -20 meters/second D. 0 meters/second, 40 meters/second

Answer 1

The answer is definitely A

Answer 2

Answer:

B. 20 meters/second, 20 meters/second

Explanation:

Velocity of John = 20 meters/second north = +20 meters/second

Velocity of Betty =  20 meters/second south = -20 meters/second

If north is considered as positive then south will be negative.

So, the velocity of John will be +20 meters/second and velocity of Betty will be -20 meters/second.

But, the question is about their speeds and not velocity. The signs represent the directions. Speed does not show direction.

So, speed of John and Betty is 20 meters/second.