Equation that equates the magnitude of a vector

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the equation for the magnitude of a vector represented in the form ai + bj, particularly in the context of an 11th-grade AP Physics course that is calculus-based. The original poster expresses confusion due to a lack of calculus background.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the geometric interpretation of vectors and their components, with references to drawing vectors and identifying their components. There are attempts to relate the components to the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude. Questions about the applicability of these concepts in three-dimensional vector graphing are also raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion includes various interpretations of how to calculate the magnitude of vectors, with some participants providing insights into the relationship between vector components and their geometric representation. There is a sense of encouragement among participants, although no explicit consensus is reached on the final approach.

Contextual Notes

The original poster is under time pressure due to an upcoming test, which adds urgency to the discussion. There is also mention of concerns regarding the manageability of the AP Physics B course without prior calculus knowledge.

Crauven
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I am in 11th grade, in AP Physics... its calculus based, and I have never had calculus so its confusing. At this time I cannot find the equation that equates the magnitude of a vector off of an ai+bj equation. Does anyone know?
 
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Draw a vector, and mark his components, what figure does it look to you??
 
... that's not what my question was. I need to know how to find the magnitude for a vector before my test today during fifth period...
 
It makes a Triangle, but an specific type of triangle, the one you can apply pythagoras theorem.

a is a component of the vector, and b is another component of the vector.
Both of these are cathetes(sp?) and the vector's magnitude is the hypotenuse.
 
Oh I understand what you were saying. So its just, as per the ai+bj, a^2+b^2=the vector side^2?

And is it just me or does three dimensional vector graphing really blow? :)

Thank you.
 
It's the vector is tridimensional, it's the same for the magnitude, the sum of the squares of the components is equal to the vector's magnitude squared.
 
Last edited:
Ahah! I won't fail my test! Thanks for the help.
 
hey.. i hope to take AP physics B next year but i woudnt have done a calclus course by then... is the course manageable without basic knowledge of calculus?

thanks
 

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