# Express Sum of Vectors

1. Sep 11, 2012

### dolpho

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

Referring to the vectors in the figure, express the sum A + B + C in unit vector notation.

http://i.imgur.com/ajMkK.png

2. Relevant equations

I'm not sure if it wants me to add Dy, I've tried it both times and masteringphysics won't take either answer.

3. The attempt at a solution

I'm assuming we need Ax, Ay, Bx, By, Cy, Cx and add Dy.

Ay= sin40 x 1.5 = .96
Ax= Cos40 x 1.5 = 1.15
Bx= Cos19 x 2.0 = 1.89
By= Sin19 x 2.0 = .65
Cx= Cos25 x 1 = .906
Cy= sin25 x 1 = .42
Dy= 1.5

The sum would be (3.946, 3.53)?

Would appreciate any help on this problem, I'm not really quite sure what I'm missing or if I did the trig wrong.

Last edited: Sep 11, 2012
2. Sep 11, 2012

### CAF123

Start by writing vector equations for each of the given vectors. In your attempt, you have mixed up the Ax and Ay components. Also, be careful with signs. Choose which direction you want to be positive x and positive y.

3. Sep 11, 2012

### dolpho

Ahh, I'm sorry I wrote it wrong on the post. So let's say on the graph I linked we start at Ax and Ay which are both positive. (1.15, .96)

On Bx and By, we should subtract the Y value because we are heading towards the X-axis and keep the X value positive.

For Cx, Cy the vector is moving towards the Y value and upwards. So we should subtract the X value and keep the y value positive? So the correct way would be.

Dx = 1.15 + 1.89 - .906 = 2.134

Dy = .96 - .65 + .42 = .73

Am I on the right track kind of?

4. Sep 11, 2012

### CAF123

If I understand you correctly, yes this is right but as I said above, it is probably better to express things in vector notation. I.e for vector A, we would have $$\vec{A} = 1.5(\cos(40)\hat{x} + \sin(40)\hat{y})$$ and then add your x and y components.
I don't understand this - the projection of D along x axis is clearly zero

5. Sep 11, 2012

### dolpho

Ahh sorry, I'm still stuck in the notation like one section behind lol. Just ignore that part! Do the unit signs look correct to you?

So the Sum of A, B, C vectors for the X value = 2.134, Y value = .73

(2.134, .73)

6. Sep 11, 2012

### CAF123

Yes, the resultant vector (taking into account only A,B,C) is a vector with the above x and y components. Now take into consideration D and you are done.
Edit: I see from the question it only wants you to consider A,B,C.

7. Sep 11, 2012

### dolpho

Cool, couldn't have done it without you! Thanks a bunch :D

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