Suresh left home and walked 5 km towards the South. He turned right and walked 2.5 km, then turned right and walked 5 km, and then turned left and cycled 5 km. How far must he go in a straight line to reach his home?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → 7.5 km
A right turn moves the facing direction one step clockwise (South → West → North) and a left turn one step anticlockwise (North → West). Track the facing direction after every turn and keep a running total of the distance from home.
Facing South, 5 km: 5 km south of home
Turns right, now facing West, 2.5 km: 5 km south, 2.5 km west
Turns right, now facing North, 5 km: \(5-5=0\) km south, 2.5 km west
Turns left, now facing West, 5 km: \(2.5+5=7.5\) km west
He is 7.5 km due West of home, so he must go 7.5 km towards the East.
