From a point Shalu starts walking towards North and after walking 20 meters,…
2023
From a point Shalu starts walking towards North and after walking 20 meters, she turns to her right and walks 10 metres, then she turns right again and walks 20 m. Then, she turns to her left and walks 10 m and finally turns to her left and walks 20 m. In which direction is she with reference to the starting point?
- A.
North
- B.
South
- C.
North East
- D.
East
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Concept
When a walk consists of straight legs along cardinal directions connected by 90° turns, a right turn rotates the facing direction clockwise (North → East → South → West → North) and a left turn rotates it counter-clockwise (North → West → South → East → North). To find the direction of the final point from the start, add up all North/South movement on one axis and all East/West movement on the other — the combined (net) displacement, not just the last leg, decides the direction.
Application
Start at O, facing North; walk 20 m to B — net displacement so far: 20 m North.
At B, turn right (North → East) and walk 10 m to C — net displacement: 20 m North, 10 m East.
At C, turn right again (East → South) and walk 20 m to D — net displacement: 20 − 20 = 0 m North-South, 10 m East.
At D, turn left (South → East) and walk 10 m to E — net displacement: 0 m North-South, 10 + 10 = 20 m East.
At E, turn left (East → North) and walk 20 m to F — net displacement: 0 + 20 = 20 m North, 20 m East.
Cross-check
The net North component (20 m) equals the net East component (20 m), so the resultant displacement vector sits at exactly 45° between the two axes — the intercardinal direction North-East — independently confirming the leg-by-leg trace above.
Result
Shalu's final position F is North-East of the starting point O.
