Question

Here are three pairs of initial and final positions, respectively; along
an x axis. Which pairs give a negative displacement: (a) -3 m, 5 m;
(b) -3 m, -7 m; (c) 7 m, -3 m?

Answer 1

Displacement Δx = x_final − x_initial.

(a) Δx = 5 − (−3) = 8 m (positive)
(b) Δx = −7 − (−3) = −4 m (negative)
(c) Δx = −3 − 7 = −10 m (negative)

So (b) and (c) give negative displacements.