Hcc8.12 Find the sum of vectors

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    Sum Vectors
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the sum of two vectors given in polar coordinates: $(10, \, 45^o)$ and $(7, \, 150^o)$. Participants explore the calculation of the magnitude of the resultant vector, addressing discrepancies between their calculations and an online vector sum calculator's result.

Discussion Character

  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the magnitude of the difference of the two vectors and questions the discrepancy with the online calculator's result of approximately 10.619.
  • Another participant suggests that the correct approach involves adding the coordinates of the vectors instead of finding the difference.
  • Further contributions reiterate the need to calculate the magnitude using the sum of the x and y components derived from the polar coordinates.
  • One participant provides specific expressions for the x and y components, leading to a calculated magnitude of approximately 10.619.
  • Another participant expresses confusion, noting that their own calculations yield a different result of approximately 3.71084.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct magnitude of the resultant vector, with multiple competing calculations and interpretations of the problem presented.

Contextual Notes

Some calculations appear to depend on the interpretation of whether to sum or subtract the vector components, leading to different results. There are unresolved steps in the calculations that may affect the final outcomes.

karush
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$\tiny{hcc8.12}$
$\textsf{Find the sum of vectors $(10, \, 45^o)$ and $(7, \, 150^o)$}\\$$\begin{align*}\displaystyle
\textsf{magnitude}
&=\sqrt{(10\cos45^o - 7\cos150^o)^2 + (10\sin45^o - 7\sin150^o)^2} \approx 12.114
\end{align*}$

ok an online vector sum calculator returned 10.619

so wheres my error?
 
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Hi, karushYou have calculated the magnitude of the difference of the two vectors.

If you add the coordinates, I´m sure, you´ll get the online answer.
 
lfdahl said:
Hi, karushYou have calculated the magnitude of the difference of the two vectors.

If you add the coordinates, I´m sure, you´ll get the online answer.
$$10.6191$$ is the online calculated magnitude which I could not derive
 
karush said:
$$10.6191$$ is the online calculated magnitude which I could not derive

Try to calculate the magnitude with the coordinate values:

$(10\cos 45^{\circ}+7\cos 150^{\circ})$ and $(10\sin 45^{\circ}+7\sin 150^{\circ})$
 
lfdahl said:
Try to calculate the magnitude with the coordinate values:

$(10\cos 45^{\circ}+7\cos 150^{\circ})$ and $(10\sin 45^{\circ}+7\sin 150^{\circ})$

that returns $3.71084$ which isn't it
 
$R_x=5\sqrt{2}-\dfrac{7\sqrt{3}}{2}$

$R_y=5\sqrt{2}+\dfrac{7}{2}$

$|R|= \sqrt{R_x^2 + R_y^2} \approx 10.619$
 
strange thought that is what I had☕

mahalo
 

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