X and Y both start from the same point. X walks 17 metres towards the west and then turns to his right and walks 13 metres. At the same time, Y walks 9 metres towards the north, then turns to the east and walks 7 metres, and finally turns to his left and walks 4 metres. After these movements, where is Y located with respect to the final position of X?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 24 m East

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This direction sense question describes two different paths starting from the same origin for persons X and Y. The objective is not to find their distances from the starting point, but to find where Y stands relative to X after both complete their movements. Such questions are standard in reasoning tests and rely on a systematic breakdown of movements into north, south, east, and west components.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Both X and Y start from the same point.
  • X walks 17 m west, then turns right and walks 13 m north.
  • Y walks 9 m north, then 7 m east, then turns left and walks 4 m north.
  • All turns are right angle turns.
  • We follow the usual convention for directions on a coordinate grid.


Concept / Approach:
We represent the motion on a coordinate plane. The starting point is taken as (0, 0). Moving west reduces the x coordinate, while moving east increases it. Moving north increases the y coordinate, while moving south reduces it. After calculating the final coordinates of X and Y, we subtract the coordinates of X from those of Y to identify the relative position of Y with respect to X.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Start at O = (0, 0). X walks 17 m west: X1 = (-17, 0). From facing west, a right turn leads north, so X walks 13 m north: X2 = (-17, 13). Y walks 9 m north: Y1 = (0, 9). Then Y walks 7 m east: Y2 = (7, 9). Facing east, a left turn leads north, so Y walks 4 m north: Y3 = (7, 13). Final positions: X at (-17, 13) and Y at (7, 13). Relative position of Y from X = (7 - (-17), 13 - 13) = (24, 0). Therefore, Y is 24 m due east of X.


Verification / Alternative check:
On a rough sketch, both X and Y end at the same north level (same y coordinate), but Y is much further to the right. Counting horizontal separation from x = -17 to x = 7 gives 24 m, confirming the calculation.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A and Option C state west instead of east, which contradicts the final layout.
Option B: 10 m East is too small; the correct separation is 24 m.
Option E: None of these is not correct because one of the given choices, 24 m East, is exactly right.


Common Pitfalls:
Learners might forget to track directions after each turn or might mix up right and left when facing west or east. Another pitfall is comparing only one person to the origin instead of taking the difference between positions. Building a simple x y table or a clear sketch helps avoid these mistakes.


Final Answer:
Y is located 24 m East of the final position of X.

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