Adding three vectors, why is this not right?

  • Thread starter rickbusiness
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In summary, the conversation involved finding the values and signs of the x and y components of three vectors A, B, and C. After calculating these components, the resultant vector R and its magnitude and direction were also determined. The possibility of C being at a different angle was also considered. Finally, the correct calculation of R and θ was achieved by finding A-B+C instead of A+B+C.
  • #1
rickbusiness
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http://postimage.org/image/gcb728073/

A=47.2 at 54.3deg above the x axis, B= 23.5 at 34.4 above the -x axis, C=30.5 along the -y axis.

A+B+C=(Ax+Bx+Cx)+(Ay+By+Cy) = R


R=√(Rx2+Ry2) = 22.63

θ=tan-1Ry/Rx = 68.9deg


I just thought of the possibility that c may be at 90 deg instead of 270. As in pointing upwards along the neg y axis. Is there something i missed?

 
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  • #2
What values and signs are you getting for the x and y components of the three vectors? C points down with a magnitude of 30.5.
 
  • #3
Ax=Acosθ=47.2cos(54.3) = 27.5

Ay=Asinθ=47.2sin(54.3) = 38.3

Bx=Bcosθ=23.5cos(180-34.4) = -19.4

By=Bsinθ=23.5sin(180-34.4)= 13.3

Cx=Ccosθ=30.5cos(270)=0

Cy=Csinθ=30.5sin(270)=-30.5

Rx= 27.5-19.4+0=8.1
Ry=38.3+13.3-30.5=21.1R=√(8.12)+(21.12)=22.6

θ=tan-1(21.1/8.1)=68.9deg

Ive tried rounding to different numbers of decimal places and not rounding till the end but I still had no success and I don't know why.
 
  • #4
rickbusiness said:
Ax=Acosθ=47.2cos(54.3) = 27.5

Ay=Asinθ=47.2sin(54.3) = 38.3

Bx=Bcosθ=23.5cos(180-34.4) = -19.4

By=Bsinθ=23.5sin(180-34.4)= 13.3

Cx=Ccosθ=30.5cos(270)=0

Cy=Csinθ=30.5sin(270)=-30.5

Rx= 27.5-19.4+0=8.1
Ry=38.3+13.3-30.5=21.1


R=√(8.12)+(21.12)=22.6

θ=tan-1(21.1/8.1)=68.9deg

Ive tried rounding to different numbers of decimal places and not rounding till the end but I still had no success and I don't know why.

The problem doesn't say to find A+B+C. It says to find A-B+C.
 
  • #5
hahaha thanks!
 

1. Why can't I simply add three vectors together?

Adding vectors is not as simple as adding three numbers. Vectors have both magnitude and direction, so they cannot be added in the same way that numbers can. Simply adding the three magnitudes together will not give an accurate representation of the resulting vector.

2. Can I use the Pythagorean theorem to add three vectors?

No, the Pythagorean theorem can only be used to add two vectors that are perpendicular to each other. It cannot be used to add three or more vectors.

3. What is the correct way to add three vectors?

To add three vectors, you must use vector addition, which takes into account both the magnitude and direction of each vector. This is done by placing the vectors tip to tail and drawing a resultant vector from the starting point of the first vector to the ending point of the last vector. The magnitude and direction of the resultant vector can then be calculated using trigonometry.

4. Can I add vectors in any order?

No, the order in which vectors are added does matter. The resultant vector will be different depending on the order in which the three vectors are added together. To get the correct result, it is important to add the vectors in a specific order, usually from left to right.

5. Is it possible to add more than three vectors together?

Yes, it is possible to add any number of vectors together using vector addition. The same principles apply, where the vectors are placed tip to tail and a resultant vector is drawn from the starting point of the first vector to the ending point of the last vector. The magnitude and direction of the resultant vector can then be calculated using trigonometry.

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