Question

A man walks 8 km north, then 8 km east, and 2 km south. What is his final distance from the starting point?

• A. 10 km
• B. 8 km
• C. 9 km
• D. 6 km

Hint:

For such distance problems, use the Pythagorean theorem when movements form right-angled triangles.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

We can calculate the man's final distance by treating the problem as a right triangle. 
- North and south movements cancel out 6 km, leaving a net 6 km north. 
- The total movement east is 8 km. Now, using the Pythagorean theorem: \[ \text{Final distance} = \sqrt{(6)^2 + (8)^2} = \sqrt{36 + 64} = \sqrt{100} = 10 \text{ km} \]