Calculating Vector Components with Given Magnitude: Solving for x and y

In summary, vector magnitude refers to the size or length of a vector and is determined by the Pythagorean theorem. To find the magnitude of a vector, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate it from the vector's components. Vector magnitude is different from vector direction, which refers to the orientation or angle of the vector. The magnitude of a vector can never be negative, and it is used in various real-life applications such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics.
  • #1
emma3001
42
0
Find a vector whose magnitude is 4 and whose x component is twice its y component.

I know that to calculate magnitude it is r= sqrt (x1 + x2)2 + (y1 + y2)2.

I also know that k(vector)= 4

I just am confused by the components (so x=2y ...)
 
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  • #2
Let a=xi+yj

now |a|=4
so that [itex]4=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}[/itex]...(*)

You are told x=2y...can you use this fact and (*) to help you find x and y now?
 

1. What is the definition of vector magnitude?

The vector magnitude is the size or length of a vector, represented by a numerical value. It is determined by the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the magnitude of a vector can be calculated by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of its components.

2. How do you find the magnitude of a vector?

To find the magnitude of a vector, you first need to determine the components of the vector. Then, you can use the Pythagorean theorem to calculate the magnitude by taking the square root of the sum of the squares of the vector's components.

3. What is the difference between vector magnitude and vector direction?

Vector magnitude refers to the size or length of a vector, while vector direction refers to the orientation or angle of the vector. Both of these components are necessary to fully describe a vector in a coordinate system.

4. Can the magnitude of a vector be negative?

No, the magnitude of a vector can never be negative. It is always represented by a positive value, as it refers to the size or length of the vector and cannot have a negative quantity.

5. How is vector magnitude used in real-life applications?

Vector magnitude is used in many fields, such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. It is often used to calculate forces, velocities, and distances in physical systems. In computer graphics, vector magnitude is used to determine the size and direction of objects in a 3D space. It is also used in navigation and mapping, as it can be used to calculate distances and directions between two points.

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