How Do You Calculate Resultant Displacement in Vector Problems?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the resultant displacement in a vector problem involving multiple directional movements measured in paces. The original poster describes a sequence of movements at specified angles and distances, seeking assistance in determining both the magnitude and direction of the resultant displacement.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore various methods to approach the problem, including graphical representation and component breakdown into x and y directions. Questions arise regarding the use of trigonometric functions for calculating components and the implications of negative values in the context of direction.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, sharing their calculations and reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the treatment of signs in the calculations, and there is a focus on ensuring the correct interpretation of directions for each segment of movement. Multiple interpretations of the problem setup are being explored.

Contextual Notes

There are constraints noted regarding the original poster's access to resources, such as a protractor and textbook, which may affect their ability to visualize and solve the problem effectively. Additionally, there is uncertainty about the assumptions regarding directional conventions in the problem statement.

  • #31
so would i take 180 - 27.724?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
anglum said:
which gives me an angle of -27.724? but how do u have a negative angle?

Remember that there are two angles with the same tan... the other angle is 180 + this angle.
 
  • #33
anglum said:
so would i take 180 - 27.724?

yes, exactly.
 
  • #34
so the angle for my answer is 152.276?
 
  • #35
learning that was correct!1

thank you sooo sooo much

i appreciate your time, effort, and courtesy
 
  • #36
anglum said:
learning that was correct!1

thank you sooo sooo much

i appreciate your time, effort, and courtesy

You're welcome. :smile:
 

Similar threads

Map question involving vectors (find the angle)
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Direction of Resultant Displacement
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Solving Vector Resultants: Magnitude & Direction
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Vector distance and angle question
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Finding the second displacement from the first and resultant
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Finding the angle in which the resultant force points
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Vectors: Displacement, average velocity & speed
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
What is the direction of the resultant displacement from the starting point?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
11K
Calculating Displacement: Magnitude & Direction of a Car's Motion
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
How to Calculate the Bird's Net Displacement Using Vector Addition?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K