Question

sailboats often have to take zig-zag paths to reach a destination because they are unable to sail directly into the wind. to reach its dock, a sailboat sails in two straight legs. the first leg has an x-component of -2.7 kilometers and a y-component of 4.0 kilometers. the second leg has an x-component of 3.2 kilometers and a y-component of 2.4 kilometers.
what is the boats total displacement?
the boats total displacement has an x-component of kilometers and a y-component of kilometers.

Explanation:

Step1: Sum x-components

$x_{\text{total}} = -2.7 + 3.2$

Step2: Calculate total x-component

$x_{\text{total}} = 0.5$

Step3: Sum y-components

$y_{\text{total}} = 4.0 + 2.4$

Step4: Calculate total y-component

$y_{\text{total}} = 6.4$

Answer:

The boat's total displacement has an x-component of 0.5 kilometers and a y-component of 6.4 kilometers.