A squirrel was spotted at the backyard locations in Table 1
A squirrel was spotted at the backyard locations in Table 1 at the given times. The squirrel traveled at least how far during the first 15 minutes?
Solution
At time t= 0 position = (10, 7)
At t= 5, position = (25,27)
North east difference = (15, 20)
So distance travel = (15^2 + 20^2)^1/2 = (225 + 400)^1/2 = 625^1/2 = 25
At t= 10, position = (1, 45)
Difference = (-24,18)
Distance travelled = ( 24^2 + 18^2)^1/2 = (576 + 324)^1/2 = 900^1/2 = 30
At t=15, position = (13,33)
Difference = (12, -12)
Distance travelled = (12^2 + 12^2)^1/2 = 488^1/2 = 22.09
Total distance travelled in first 15 minutes = 25 + 30 + 22.09 = 77.09 Feet
But total displacement from (10, 7) to (13, 33) is (3, 26) = (3^2 + 26^2)^1/2 = (9+676)^1/2 = 685^1/2 = 26.17 feet
