Find the velocity of the airplane if there was no wind

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the velocity of an airplane in the absence of wind using trigonometric methods. The cosine rule was applied to derive the magnitude of the velocity, resulting in a value of 164.2 mph. Additionally, the sine rule was utilized to determine the direction, yielding an angle of 32.56 degrees. The discrepancies noted in the calculations are attributed to rounding errors, emphasizing the importance of precision in mathematical computations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the cosine rule in trigonometry
  • Familiarity with the sine rule in trigonometry
  • Basic knowledge of vector addition in physics
  • Ability to perform calculations involving angles and magnitudes
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  • Study the application of the cosine rule in real-world physics problems
  • Explore advanced trigonometric identities and their uses
  • Learn about vector decomposition in physics
  • Investigate the effects of rounding errors in mathematical calculations
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Students and professionals in physics, engineering, and mathematics who are interested in applying trigonometric principles to solve real-world problems involving velocity and direction.

chwala
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Homework Statement
See attached
Relevant Equations
Understanding of vectors
Find the question and its solution below;
1640087655606.png
Ok i realized that we could also use cosine rule here, in my approach i considered the sketch below;

1640087758359.png


##V_b= 18,125- (2×50×125×cos 135)##
##V_b=164.2##

To find direction, i used sine rule;
##\frac {125}{sin α}##=##\frac {164.2}{sin 135}##
##α=32.56##

Would this be correct? ...i can see there is a small difference on the value of the magnitude.
 
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I got similar small discrepancies. It's probably due to rounding off. 6.5 units is 162.5 mph, and the magnitude is certainly not exactly 6.5 units - it's irrational.
 
mjc123 said:
I got similar small discrepancies. It's probably due to rounding off. 6.5 units is 162.5 mph, and the magnitude is certainly not exactly 6.5 units - it's irrational.
Cheers mjc123. Bingo!
 

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