Maheep started to move in the direction of the East. After moving 17 m, he turned to his left twice and moved 12 m each time. How far is he from starting point?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → 13 m
Each turn is taken from the direction Maheep is facing at that moment:
He walks East 17 m
Facing East, a left turn is North: he walks 12 m
Facing North, a left turn is West: he walks 12 m
Where he ends:
East-West: 17 m East, then 12 m West, so he ends 5 m East of the start
North-South: he ends 12 m North of the start
The distance from the start (these two distances are at right angles, so by Pythagoras):
Distance \(=\sqrt{5^2+12^2}=\sqrt{169}=13\) m