Find Magnitude and Angle of Vector A with Vector B & C

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To find the magnitude and angle of vector A using vectors B and C, the problem involves using the dot product equations. Vector B is given as (5.00m, 65°), and vector C has the same magnitude as A but is directed 20° greater than A. The dot products A·B and B·C are provided as 22.0m² and 39.0m², respectively. The discussion highlights the challenge of determining the angle between vectors B and C to derive the magnitude of C, which equals A. Participants suggest focusing on the angle first to utilize the dot product formula effectively.
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Homework Statement


Q1)
Let vector B = (5.00m, 65°), let the magnitude of vector C equal (=) the magnitude of vector A, and C has a direction 20° greater than vector A.
A(dot/scalar product)B = 22.0m^2
B(dot/scalar product)C = 39.0m^2

Find magnitude of A and its direction (angle)?

Homework Equations


Bx = Bcosθ
By = Bsinθ
Trig

The Attempt at a Solution


For Q1 I have tried a variety of methods. To obtain a few angles or magnitudes but I am literally stuck, not even sure where to start. I tried to find the angle between B and C to obtain the Magnitude of C which will equal A... afterwards find the angle between A and B with the newly found magnitude (A = C). Maybe that is the wrong approach, but I could not figure out how to find Mag of C without Cx or Cy...

I am not sure how else to transcribe the math I have on paper to this forum, but if this is lacking information a hint in the right direction would be truly appreciated.

Thanks a lot,
Cd
 
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As a hint, one definition of dot product is: $$ A \cdot B=\left\|A\right\| \, \left\|B\right\| \cos \theta $$, where ##\theta## is the angle between the two vectors. I would look for ##\theta## first.
 
cdphys said:

Homework Statement


Q1)
Let vector B = (5.00m, 65°), let the magnitude of vector C equal (=) the magnitude of vector A, and C has a direction 20° greater than vector A.
A(dot/scalar product)B = 22.0m^2
B(dot/scalar product)C = 39.0m^2

Find magnitude of A and its direction (angle)?

Homework Equations


Bx = Bcosθ
By = Bsinθ
Trig

The Attempt at a Solution


For Q1 I have tried a variety of methods. To obtain a few angles or magnitudes but I am literally stuck, not even sure where to start. I tried to find the angle between B and C to obtain the Magnitude of C which will equal A... afterwards find the angle between A and B with the newly found magnitude (A = C). Maybe that is the wrong approach, but I could not figure out how to find Mag of C without Cx or Cy...

I am not sure how else to transcribe the math I have on paper to this forum, but if this is lacking information a hint in the right direction would be truly appreciated.

Thanks a lot,
Cd

Like Joffan said, for vectors a andb, ##\mathfrak R\left(\vec a\cdot\vec b\right)=\left\|a\right\| \, \left\|b\right\| \cos \theta##
 
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Hello cdphys. Welcome to PF !
 
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SammyS said:
Actually, it was Joffan who posted that helpful tip.

Oops! I edited my post!
 
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