Equation that equates the magnitude of a vector

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To find the magnitude of a vector represented by the equation ai + bj, use the formula √(a² + b²), where a and b are the vector's components. This relationship is derived from the Pythagorean theorem, as the components form the legs of a right triangle, with the magnitude as the hypotenuse. The discussion also touches on the challenges of three-dimensional vector graphing, which some find difficult. Additionally, there are inquiries about the manageability of AP Physics B without prior calculus knowledge. Understanding these fundamentals can boost confidence before tests.
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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.
 
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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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