The correct option is **A. 5 meters**. ### Step-by-Step Explanation 1. **Understanding Displacement**: Displacement is a vector quantity that refers to the shortest distance from the initial position to the final position, along with the direction. It is different from distance, which is a scalar quantity that only considers how much ground an object has covered, regardless of its starting or ending point. 2. **Visualizing the Movement**: - The person first walks **3 meters east**. We can represent this movement on a coordinate system where east is the positive x-direction. - Next, the person walks **4 meters north**. In our coordinate system, north is the positive y-direction. 3. **Setting Up the Coordinates**: - Starting Point: (0, 0) - After walking 3 meters east: (3, 0) - After walking 4 meters north: (3, 4) 4. **Calculating Displacement**: To find the total displacement, we need to calculate the straight-line distance from the starting point (0, 0) to the final point (3, 4). We can use the Pythagorean theorem for this calculation. The formula for displacement \( d \) in a right triangle is: \[ d = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} \] Here, \( (x_1, y_1) \) is the starting point (0, 0) and \( (x_2, y_2) \) is the final point (3, 4). Plugging in the values: \[ d = \sqrt{(3 - 0)^2 + (4 - 0)^2} \] \[ d = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2} \] \[ d = \sqrt{9 + 16} \] \[ d = \sqrt{25} \] \[ d = 5 \text{ meters} \] 5. **Conclusion**: The total displacement from the starting point to the final position is **5 meters** in a direction that can be described as northeast. ### Why Other Options Are Incorrect - **Option B (7 meters)**: This option might confuse distance with displacement. The total distance traveled is 3 meters + 4 meters = 7 meters, but this is not the displacement, which is the straight-line distance. - **Option C (12 meters)**: This option is incorrect because it does not represent any relevant calculation related to the movements described. It seems to be a misinterpretation of the total distance traveled. - **Option D (1 meter)**: This option is incorrect as it significantly underestimates the displacement. The displacement is based on the coordinates calculated, which clearly shows a distance of 5 meters. ### Revision Summary - Displacement is the shortest distance from the starting point to the final position, considering direction. - Use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate displacement in two-dimensional movements. - The total distance traveled is not the same as displacement; always differentiate between the two. - In this case, the displacement from the starting point after walking 3 meters east and 4 meters north is 5 meters.