Composite diagonal walks and return heading: Sitara walks 45 m North-West, then 45 m South-West, then 45 m South-East, then turns towards her uncle's house. In which direction is she now heading?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: North-East

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Use vector addition for diagonal moves at 45° to axes, then compute the heading to the origin (uncle's house).


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Let uncle's house be origin (0,0).
  • NW = (−1, 1), SW = (−1, −1), SE = (1, −1) in scaled units.


Concept / Approach:
Compute position after three equal diagonal legs, then the direction from that point back to the origin.


Step-by-Step Solution:

After 45 NW → (−45, 45).Then 45 SW → (−90, 0).Then 45 SE → (−45, −45).Vector to origin = (45, 45) ⇒ heading North-East.


Verification / Alternative check:
Equal x and y positive components from current point indicate NE.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
They correspond to other quadrants.


Common Pitfalls:
Adding diagonals as if axis-aligned or forgetting that final leg is “towards uncle's house”.


Final Answer:
North-East

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