Read the scenario.

A cyclist starts at a position of 0 m and takes 3 s to move east to a position of + 8 m. He then cycles west to a position of + 5 m which takes an additional 2 s.

What is the cyclist's displacement?

-5 m

- 8 m

+5 m

+11 m

The cyclist's displacement is + 5 m.

Explanation:

We have, A cyclist starts at a position of origin. He takes 3 s to move east to a position of + 8 m. He then cycles west to a position of + 5 m which takes an additional 2 s.

It is required to find the cyclist's displacement. Displacement of an object is the shortest path covered by it or it is given by the difference of final to the initial position.

Finally, he cycles west to a position of + 5 m. Distance between final and initial position is + 5 m.

Hence, the cyclist's displacement is + 5 m.