Form an op w/ three vectors in polar form.

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on performing vector operations in polar form and converting the result to rectangular form. The operation involves three vectors: (5 ∠ 0°), (20 ∠ -90°), and (6 ∠ 180°). The correct rectangular form result of the operation is 11 - 20j, achieved by converting each vector to rectangular coordinates and summing them. The user initially attempted to use the Triangle Law but needed clarification on the correct approach.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of polar and rectangular forms of complex numbers
  • Familiarity with vector addition in the complex plane
  • Knowledge of phase angles and their impact on vector direction
  • Basic operations with complex numbers, including addition and conversion
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to convert complex numbers from polar to rectangular form
  • Study vector addition techniques in the complex plane
  • Explore the Triangle Law of vector addition in detail
  • Understand the implications of phase angles in complex number operations
USEFUL FOR

Students studying complex numbers, mathematicians working with vector operations, and anyone needing to perform calculations involving polar and rectangular forms of complex numbers.

itlivesthere
Messages
4
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


I'm trying to find the best solution for solving a problem in which I must form an operation with three vectors in polar form, ending with a sum in rectangular form. The operation is as follows:
(5 [itex]\angle[/itex] 0°) + (20 [itex]\angle[/itex] -90°) - (6 [itex]\angle[/itex]180°) =


Homework Equations


Z1[itex]\angleθ[/itex] + Z2[itex]\angleθ[/itex] = (Z1 + Z2) [itex]\angleθ[/itex], (X1 + jY1) + (X2 + jY2) = (X1 + X2) + j(Y1 + Y2)


The Attempt at a Solution


I tried using the Triangle Law R= (a+b)+(b+c). I'm not sure if I did this correctly or not, but I ended up with this vector in rectangular form: -9 + j1.1*10-15

I'm posting to verify if I did this correctly or if I missed anything.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Welcome to PF,

Although polar form is handy when multiplying complex numbers, rectangular form is far more convenient when adding complex numbers, because you can just add them "component-wise", meaning that you can separately add up their real and their imaginary parts.

So, convert all the numbers to rectangular form. This is trivial here, because, the angles are such that all the numbers lie along one of the coordinate axes.

A phase angle of 0 degrees means that the first number lies along the positive real axis and is just equal to +5

A phase angle of -90 degrees means that the second number lies along the negative imaginary axis and is just equal to -20i

A phase angle of 180 degrees means that the third number lies along the negative real axis and is just equal to -6

+5 + (-20i) - (-6) = 11 - 20i

EDIT: I guess I used the wrong notation. Substitute 'j' whenever you see 'i' above, if it confuses you. They both mean [itex]\sqrt{-1}[/itex].
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
3K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
13K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
10K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
7K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K
Replies
17
Views
3K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
8K