In the given figure, PQR is a right angled triangle, right angled at Q. An ant travels from P to Q, covering 13 m. Then, it travels from Q to R covering 12 m. What is the distance travelled by the ant? Also, what is its displacement from the initial position?
Displacement: 5m , Distance: 25m
Distance is the length of path travelled.
Given, PR = 13 m and RQ = 12 m
Total Distance Travelled = PR + RQ = 13 + 12 = 25m
Displacement is shortest path between the initial and the final point.
Initial position is P and final position is Q and the shortest path is the line segment PQ.
We know that PQR is a right angled triangle.
Using pythagoras theorem,
PR2=PQ2+QR2
Displacement = PQ = √132−122 = 5m.