Question

A man goes 10 m due east and then 24 m due north. Find his distance from the starting point.
(1) 26 m
(2) 25 m
(3) 24 m
(4) 27 m

Answer 1

1) 26 m

you can use pythagoras as this forms a triangle

10^2 + 24^2 = x^2

100 + 576 = x^2

x^2 = 676

x = root 676

x = 26

Answer 2

A man goes 10m due to east as shown in figure.

then, he goes 24m due to north [ see figure ]

now, distance travelled by man from the starting point = √{10² + 24²} = 26m

hence, option (1) is correct

[ note : because 10m in east direction is perpendicular upon 24m north direction. so, we have to use Pythagoras theorem, to find distance ]