Calculating the x-component of a vector with magnitude and direction

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the x-component of vector A with a magnitude of 35.1 units at an angle of 301° from the positive x-axis, trigonometric functions are used. The relationship involves the cosine function, where the x-component is found by multiplying the magnitude by the cosine of the angle. The formula is expressed as vx = 35.1 * cos(301°). This approach simplifies the problem to a right-angled triangle scenario, making the calculation straightforward. The discussion highlights the ease of using trigonometry for vector component calculations.
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The magnitude of vector A is 35.1 units and points in the direction 301° counterclockwise from the positive x-axis. Calculate the x-component of this vector.

So...35.1=sqrt(vx^2 + vy^2)

and 301°= vy/vx

How do I do this?
 
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You just need trig. It's a right angled triangle. You know an angle and the hypotenuse, so what can you do to find the x component?
 
Wow. It was that easy. Thanks.
 

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