How Do You Solve for Variables in Vector Addition Equations?

[DoktorD]

Homework Statement

Given:
\vec{A}=(6.0\hat{i} - 8.0\hat{j})
\vec{B}=(-8.0\hat{i} + 3.0\hat{j})
\vec{C}=(26.0\hat{i} + 19.0\hat{j})

If aA+bB+C=0, what are the magnitudes of a and b?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

a(6.0\hat{i} - 8.0\hat{j}) + b(-8.0\hat{i} + 3.0\hat{j}) + (26.0\hat{i} + 19.0\hat{j}) = 0

I know that's the set up of the equation, but I have no idea how to solve for a and b. Shouldn't there be a second equation to give the relationship between a and b or else there's an infnite number of solutions? Just by looking at it for a few periods, I saw that a = 5 and b = 7 works, but I can't figure out how to reach that answer using algebra!

 

[Kurdt]

Well you will get two equations. To get the zero vector both i and j components have to be zero.

 

[DoktorD]

OK, but the thing is what method would be used here to find those two variables? What strategy would be used?

 

[DoktorD]

Nevermind, I got it

 

[Kurdt]

You have:

a(6\mathbf{\hat{i}}-8\mathbf{\hat{j}})+b(-8\mathbf{\hat{i}}+3\mathbf{\hat{j}})+(26\mathbf{\hat{i}}+19\mathbf{\hat{j}}) = (6a-8b+26)\mathbf{\hat{i}} + (-8a+3b+19)\mathbf{\hat{j}}=0

For that to equal zero both i and j components must equal 0, so you have 2 simultaneous equations.