Tom left for his office in his car. He travelled 5 km towards the North and then 10 km towards the East. He then travelled 3 km towards the South. Further, he turned to the West and travelled 2 km. Finally, he turned towards the South and travelled 2 km. In which direction is he from his house and what is the distance?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → 8 km East
Keep a running total of the distance north (or south) and east (or west) of the house after each part of the journey.
5 km North: 5 km north of the house
10 km East: 5 km north, 10 km east
3 km South: \(5-3=2\) km north, 10 km east
2 km West: 2 km north, \(10-2=8\) km east
2 km South: \(2-2=0\) km north, 8 km east
The north and south parts cancel, so Tom is 8 km due East of his house.
