Question

a vw bug is driving north on a straight two lane road at a constant 38 mph and a chevy impala is driving south at 29 mph on the same road heading toward the vw bug (but in a different lane). what is the velocity of the vw bug relative to the chevy impala?

Answer 1

Speed and Direction of VW Bug = 38 mph in north direction

Speed and Direction of Chevy Impala = 29 mph in south direction

Velocity of the VW Bug relative to Chevy Impala = ?

Since, VW Bug and Chevy Impala are driving in opposite directions, their relative speeds can be determined by taking the difference between the speeds.

Since VW Bug is faster than Chevy Impala:

Velocity of the VW Bug relative to Chevy Impala = Speed of VW Bug - Speed of Chevy Impala

⇒ Velocity of the VW Bug relative to Chevy Impala = 38 - 29

⇒ Velocity of the VW Bug relative to Chevy Impala = 9 mph