A rescue worker follows the route 32 km South, then 24 km West, then 20 km North, then 19 km East. What is the shortest distance from the starting camp?

Last Updated: 07 Sept 2026

A13 km

B15 km

C11 km

D95 km

Correct Answer: 13 kmYour Answer: A

Explanation

Step 1: Mark the starting point as O(0,0) and choose East as +x and North as +y. | Step 2: Horizontal calculation: −24 + +19 = -5 km; hence the final point is west of O by 5 km. | Step 3: Vertical calculation: −32 + +20 = -12 km; hence it is south of O by 12 km. | Step 6: The total route is 95 km, but that is not the required shortest distance; the direct displacement is 13 km.

Important Notes

Use East = +x, West = −x, North = +y and South = −y. |
A route may be long while its displacement is small, so never add every segment unless total distance is requested. |
Estimate the answer before selecting an option: the displacement must be less than or equal to the route length. |

Test your Distance and Direction knowledge

Start Topic Test

Same Topic MCQs

View All

Before sunset, a vertical pole casts a shadow towards East. Identify the Sun's dire...A tree casts its shadow towards West in the early morning. In which direction is th...In the evening, Ajay's shadow falls on his left. Determine the direction he is faci...

A rescue worker follows the route 32 km South, then 24 km West, then 20 km North, then 19 km East. What is the shortest distance from the starting camp?

Explanation

Important Notes

Related Questions

Test your Distance and Direction knowledge

Same Topic MCQs