Highschooler Needs Help with Vector Addition: Solving for B and C

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around vector addition, specifically solving for unknown vectors B and C given that the sum of vectors A, B, and C equals zero. The vectors are defined in terms of their magnitudes and angles relative to cardinal directions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss breaking down vectors into their components and setting up equations based on the conditions of vector addition. There are attempts to clarify the use of variables and coordinate systems.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided guidance on setting up equations and checking signs in the context of a coordinate system. There are ongoing calculations and discussions about the values obtained for vectors B and C, with some expressing uncertainty about their results.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that the sum of the vectors must equal zero, and there is a focus on ensuring the correct signs for the components based on their respective quadrants. There is mention of potential discrepancies in calculated values.

kooaznboi1088
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Hey I have this question about vectors that I can't solve. Can someone explain it to me?

Vector A is 1550 25 degrees North of East. Vector B is 41 East of South. Vector C was 35 North of West. A+B+C=0. Find B and C.
 
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break your vectors into components when you add up your X and Y components (SEPARATELY) of all the vectors you should get zero.
 
Thats the problem I got

1550sin 25 +Ysin 35-xsin49=1550cos25-Ycos35+Xcos49

but I get like 5000 and 6000 for values of X and Y...
 
who are X and Y. Can you use B and C like you use in your question please

also you haven't got ALL the signs correct.
Assume a specific coordinate system with either up or down to be positive and left or right to be positive
 
sorry, I am just too used to using X and Y, Ok B and C it is.
Assuming Up and Right is Positive and Left and Down is negative.
Vector A, being 25 N of E, would be in the 1st quadrant and so both its components are positive.
Vector B would be in the 4th quadrant. So its Y values would be negative and X values would be positive.
vector C would be in the 2nd quadrant so its X compment would be negative and Y component would be positive.

1550sin 25 + Csin 35- Bsin49=1550cos25 - Ccos35 + Bcos49=0
 
ok now you can get two equations from that equality... solve or B and C like simulatenous equations

Your answers have to be right... if you do the math correctly
 
no i get B=5548.6 and C=6158
 
do es any1 get a different results when doing the math? I like triple checkd this
 

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