Calculating Vector Components for an Airplane's Trajectory

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around calculating the vector components of an airplane's trajectory as it approaches a radar station. The airplane's initial position vector, R_vec_A, has a magnitude of 360m at 40 degrees above the horizon, while its final position vector, R_vec_B, is 880m after a 123-degree change. The calculation for the change in vector R(AB) involves subtracting the components of R_vec_A from R_vec_B. An error was identified in the calculations due to a miscalculation with the calculator. The final correct vector components for R(AB) were confirmed after reevaluating the calculations.
samxel
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Homework Statement



A radar station, located at the origin of xz plane, as shown in the figure, detects an airplane coming straight at the station from the east. At first observation (point A), the position of the airplane relative to the origin is R_vec_A. The position vector R_vec_A has a magnitude of 360m and is located at exactly 40 degrees above the horizon. The airplane is tracked for another 123 degrees in the vertical east-west plane for 5.0s, until it has passed directly over the station and reached point B. The position of point B relative to the origin is R_vec_B (the magnitude of R_vec_B is 880 m).

find the ordered pair (x,z) for components of the vector R(AB), which I am suppose to be able to find by R(AB) = R(B) - R(A).

PICTURE OF PROBLEM

http://i37.tinypic.com/2pzfml1.jpg

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Vector A:
cos 40 = x/360; x = 276
sin 40 degrees = y/360; y = 231
RAx, RAz= (275.775 , 231.40)

Vector B:
angle (123+40=163; 180-163=17 degrees)
cos 17 = x/880; x =-841.55
sin 17 = y/880; y = 257.29
RBx,RBz= (-841.55, 257.29)

RBA = Vector B - Vector A = (-841.55, 257.29) - (275.775 , 231.40) = (-116.84,25.89)

MY ANSWER IS NOT RIGHT. I must be missing something but i can't see it.
 
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RBA = Vector B - Vector A = (-841.55, 257.29) - (275.775 , 231.40) = (-116.84,25.89)
Check this value.
 
oh damn! that was it . stupid calculator ;)

thanks a lot. Been doing work all day my mind is not working right, right now.
 
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