Question

A boy of mass 61.3 kg is about to disembark from a canoe of mass 41.7 kg. The canoe is initially at rest, with the bow just touching the dock (see figure). The center of the canoe is 3.0 m behind the bow. As the boy moves forward 6.0 m to the bow, the canoe moves away from the dock. How far is the boy from the dock when he reaches the bow?

Answer 1

Center of mass, Xcm = ((41.7 x 3) + (61.3 x 6))/(41.7 + 61.3) = 4.785 m

((61.3 d) + (41.7)(d + 3))/(41.7 + 61.3) = 4.785

(61.3 d) + (41.7)(d + 3) = 492.9

61.3 d + 41.7 d + 125.1 = 492.9

Distance, d = 3.57 m

Comment in case any doubt please rate my answer....