How Can Vector Addition Determine the Single Putt Needed in Golf?

[featherguy]

Homework Statement

A golfer is a putting on a green, and takes 3 strokes to "hole the ball" On the first putt the ball rolls 5.0m due east. The second putt travels 2.1 m at an angle of 20.0 degrees north of east. The third putt is 0.50m due north. What displacement (magnitude and direction relative to due east) would have been needed to "hole the ball" on the very first putt?

Homework Equations

R^2 = A^2 + B^2 - 2ab COS(angle)

The Attempt at a Solution

I drew them out. I have troubles finding the displacement with 3 directions given.

 

[LowlyPion]

Homework Statement

A golfer is a putting on a green, and takes 3 strokes to "hole the ball" On the first putt the ball rolls 5.0m due east. The second putt travels 2.1 m at an angle of 20.0 degrees north of east. The third putt is 0.50m due north. What displacement (magnitude and direction relative to due east) would have been needed to "hole the ball" on the very first putt?

Homework Equations

R^2 = A^2 + B^2 - 2ab COS(angle)

The Attempt at a Solution

I drew them out. I have troubles finding the displacement with 3 directions given.

Welcome to PF.

In problems like this I find it a little easier to separate them into x,y components and then sum the components.

So for your problem taking East as positive x ...

P1 = 5 x + 0y
P2 = 2.1*cos20 x + 2.1*sin20 y
P3 = 0 x + .5 y

Your resultant then is the sum of the 3 P vectors right? And your answers are precise. Easy peasy, nice and easy.