Help with squaring geometry help

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a problem in vector geometry, specifically involving the magnitudes of vectors and their relationships through addition and subtraction.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the magnitudes of vectors x and y, questioning the application of a specific formula for vector addition. There is an attempt to derive |x+y| using the squared magnitudes of the vectors.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided hints and clarifications regarding the conditions under which certain formulas apply, particularly addressing the perpendicularity of the vectors. The discussion reflects differing interpretations of the problem and the validity of the attempted solution.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted discrepancy between the calculated result and the answer provided in the book, prompting further examination of the assumptions made in the problem.

PiRsq
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x and y are vectors

If |x|=11 and |y|=23 and |x-y|=30, find |x+y|?

I tried but I couldn't get it, any hints out there guys?
 
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Try squaring everything.
 
I did

|x|^2 + |y|^2 = |x+y|^2

Then |x+y|=25.6 units

But my book's answer says 16 units...I don't get it
 
That formula only works when x and y are perpendicular vectors.

Recall that for any vector z:

|z|^2 = z * z

So what should |x + y|^2 and |x - y|^2 be?
 
Thanks man
 

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