## Airplane flying in a crosswind problem

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

The nose of an ultralight plane is pointed south, and its airspeed indicator shows 45 m/s . The plane is in a 20 m/s wind blowing toward the southwest relative to the earth.

Find the x-component of the velocity with respect to the earth.
Find the y-component of the velocity with respect to the earth.
Find the magnitude of the plane's motion with respect to the earth.
Find the angle of the plane's motion with respect to the earth.
2. Relevant equations

x-component magnitude of a vector = (a)cos($\vartheta$)
y-component magnitude of a vector = (a)sin($\vartheta$)
3. The attempt at a solution

I mapped it all out and ended up with x and y components of -59.14 and -14.14 respectively, but this is wrong.

halp plox?

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Gold Member
 halp plox?
Really?

Anyway, you realize the the airspeed indicator reading of 45 m/s is relative to the moving air, not the earth. Take that into consideration, please.

 Tags basic, motion, resolution, vector
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