Town D lies 13 km East of town A. A bus starts at A, goes 8 km West, turns right and goes 5 km to reach B, then turns right again and travels 21 km to stop. How far and in which direction must it travel now to reach town D?

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: 5 Km. towards South

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This path-tracking problem mixes absolute placements (D relative to A) with the bus’s movement segments. Converting the description into coordinates clarifies the final short leg required to reach D.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • D is 13 km East of A.
  • Segment 1: from A, 8 km West.
  • Right turn from West → North; go 5 km to B.
  • Right turn from North → East; go 21 km; stop.


Concept / Approach:
Use a coordinate frame with A at (0,0). Track each move and compare the final stop with D’s coordinate. The last required move is simply the vertical difference between the stop and D.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Let A = (0,0); D = (13,0).After 8 km West: (−8,0).Right to North, +5 km: (−8,5).Right to East, +21 km: (13,5).To reach D (13,0): move 5 km South.


Verification / Alternative check:
Plot the points: the final x matches D exactly (13); only y differs by +5.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • 13 km South/21 km South: exaggerate the needed vertical correction.
  • 5 km West: would change x, which already matches D.


Common Pitfalls:
Forgetting that a right turn from North leads to East; swapping axes signs.



Final Answer:
5 Km. towards South

More Questions from Direction Sense Test

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion