Math Is Fun Forum

infinitebrain

Member

Registered: 2008-07-01

Posts: 153

Vector Problem

Ima Hyker is camped out in the forest. After breakfast she walks 16 km on a bearing
of 327° then she walks 12 km on a bearing of 237°. What bearing will Ima have to
walk to head straight back to her camp? (nearest degree)

I know how to work it mathematically, but I need a good visual representation ! Could any of you do me a favor and graph it to show me to you can graphically look at this?

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The best thing about life is you don't know what to expect

bobbym

bumpkin

From: Bumpkinland

Registered: 2009-04-12

Posts: 109,606

Re: Vector Problem

Hi infinitebrain;

I know nothing about bearings. I get lost going around the corner. I navigate by taking a big ball of twine with me and letting it out as I go. Then I follow it back. I do not use bread crumbs because wasting food is wrong.

Here is what I drew:

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In mathematics, you don't understand things. You just get used to them.
If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.
Always satisfy the Prime Directive of getting the right answer above all else.

Bob

Administrator

Registered: 2010-06-20

Posts: 10,627

Re: Vector Problem

hi infinitebrain,

To avoid confusion amongst navigators, and so that they can use a magnetic compass to determine which way to go, bearings are measured clockwise from North.

I have made a sketch of the problem.  The distances and angles are not accurately shown.

Bob

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Children are not defined by school ...........The Fonz
You cannot teach a man anything;  you can only help him find it within himself..........Galileo Galilei
Sometimes I deliberately make mistakes, just to test you!  …………….Bob

infinitebrain

Member

Registered: 2008-07-01

Posts: 153

Re: Vector Problem

Thank you bob and bobbym! You've both been a enormous help!

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The best thing about life is you don't know what to expect