Finding x and y components from an angle

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the x and y components of a unit vector located in the xy plane at an angle of 131 degrees from the +x axis. The user correctly identifies that the z component is 0 and that the x component must be negative due to the angle's position. The solution involves using the cosine function, where cos(131°) equals the x component, and applying the unit vector condition, which states that the sum of the squares of the components equals 1.

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Homework Statement


A unit vector lies in the xy plane, at an angle of 131 degrees from the +x axis, with a positive y component. What is the unit vector?


Homework Equations



cos[STRIKE]O[/STRIKE]=adj/hyp


The Attempt at a Solution



cos131*=adj/hyp
I know that the z component is obviously 0 (xy plane). The x component is negative in order for the angle to be 131*.

So...
-.656=adj/hyp

And...
((sqrt)x^2+y^2)=1 since it's a unit vector.


Basically, I don't know where to go from here. I know the magnitude is 1, and I know what the angle is, but I don't know how to find out the x and y component values. Any help is greatly appreciated.
 
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Edit-
I got it. Duh. The hypotenuse has to be 1. Then cos0=Ax, and it's all plugging in stuff from there.
 

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