Finding Vector Magnitude & Direction in River Flow Problem

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the resultant velocity of a boat crossing a river, given its velocity of 12 m/s and the river's flow velocity of 6.0 m/s. The solution involves using vector addition, specifically the 'top and tail' method, to form a right triangle where the boat's velocity and river's velocity are the two perpendicular sides. The magnitude of the resultant velocity is determined as the hypotenuse of this triangle, and the direction can be calculated using trigonometric functions. This approach simplifies the problem and clarifies the relationship between the boat's movement and the river's current.

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This problem I'm not sure where to begin so if someone could just give me a hint...

A boat heads directly across a river with a velocity of 12m/s. If the river flows at 6.0m/s find the magnitude and direction (with respect to the shore) if the boat's resultant velocity.

I'm not sure how to find what way the direction is going without some kind of direction that is already given.
 
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Try actually drawing the vectors out 'top and tail' method. In this case the resultant force would be the hypotenues of the triangle formed. Therefore, the magnitude of the resultant force would simply be the magnitude or length of the hypotenues and the direction is easily found using trig.
 
thanks:) I think that I get this stuff now. I was making it harder than it had to be
 

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