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thefelonwind
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Homework Statement
Consider the points (x, y) = (0,0) and (100,10). Calculate the unit vector u pointing from the first to second. If each coordinate has an uncertainty of +/-2, calculate the uncertainty in u using propagation of error, but making reasonable approximations based on the values given.
Homework Equations
unit vector = u/||u||
The Attempt at a Solution
My result for the unit vector is:
unit vector=(10/sqrt(110)*i + (1/sqrt(110))*j
(where i and j represent i-hat and j-hat, the vector components)
I believe this is correct because when I calculate the magnitude of the unit vector using those components, I get 1 as my answer.
Where I am stuck at is calculating the uncertainty in u using error propagation. Can anybody get me on the right track for figuring that out? I've not used error propagation yet (this is for a Introductory Physics Lab) and do not have a single clue where to start.