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This is not a homework question. I know the answer to this question I'm just not sure how, from reading the question, I would have known what the question is actually asking. If someone could explain what their thought process is after reading the question, and how it is that you know what the question is really asking, I would very much appreciate it.
Susan, driving North at 60 mph, and Shawn, driving East at 45 mph, are approaching an intersection. What is Shawn's speed relative to Susan's reference frame?
The solution is [45^2+60^2]^.5=75mph
... but I don't really understand why. I do realize that 75 is the hypotenuse of the triangle, I just don't understand how I would have known what this question is asking for, it seems as if there is way too much that the question doesn't tell you. How would I know from looking at this question that it is implied that the vehicles are on a collision course with each other at their exact center of mass?
Any tips for breaking a question down in order to see what it is really asking and implying are appreciated.
I realize that this is kind of a strange question, so any helpful input is appreciated and if it just seems like I'm asking a dumb question, well, I understand that too =)
Homework Statement
Susan, driving North at 60 mph, and Shawn, driving East at 45 mph, are approaching an intersection. What is Shawn's speed relative to Susan's reference frame?
The Attempt at a Solution
The solution is [45^2+60^2]^.5=75mph
... but I don't really understand why. I do realize that 75 is the hypotenuse of the triangle, I just don't understand how I would have known what this question is asking for, it seems as if there is way too much that the question doesn't tell you. How would I know from looking at this question that it is implied that the vehicles are on a collision course with each other at their exact center of mass?
Any tips for breaking a question down in order to see what it is really asking and implying are appreciated.
I realize that this is kind of a strange question, so any helpful input is appreciated and if it just seems like I'm asking a dumb question, well, I understand that too =)