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

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the magnitude and direction of vector A, given its relationship with vectors B and C. Vector B is defined with a magnitude of 5.00 m and an angle of 65°, while vector C is stated to have the same magnitude as vector A and a direction that is 20° greater than that of vector A. The dot products of vectors A and B, as well as B and C, are provided as 22.0 m² and 39.0 m², respectively.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts various methods to determine angles and magnitudes but expresses uncertainty about how to begin. They consider finding the angle between B and C to derive the magnitude of C, which equals A, and question how to find the magnitude of C without its components.

Discussion Status

Some participants have offered hints regarding the definition of the dot product, suggesting that the angle between vectors may be a critical first step. There is acknowledgment of the original poster's struggle to transcribe their mathematical work into the forum, indicating a need for further clarification or guidance.

Contextual Notes

The original poster notes potential gaps in their explanation and seeks hints rather than complete solutions, reflecting the forum's emphasis on learning and understanding.

cdphys
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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
 
Last edited:
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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##
 
Last edited:
Hello cdphys. Welcome to PF !
 
Last edited:
SammyS said:
Actually, it was Joffan who posted that helpful tip.

Oops! I edited my post!
 

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