How Do You Calculate Resultant Displacement in Vector Problems?

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SUMMARY

The forum discussion focuses on calculating resultant displacement in vector problems, specifically involving movements at angles of 188 degrees, 128 degrees, and 179 degrees over specified paces. The user learns to break down each movement into x and y components using cosine and sine functions, respectively, and to sum these components to find the resultant displacement. The final calculations yield a resultant displacement magnitude of approximately 314.719 paces and an angle of 152.276 degrees, confirming the importance of maintaining direction signs throughout the calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector components and trigonometric functions (sine and cosine).
  • Familiarity with the Pythagorean theorem for calculating resultant magnitudes.
  • Knowledge of angle measurement in degrees, particularly in the context of navigation.
  • Basic skills in algebra for manipulating equations and solving for unknowns.
NEXT STEPS
  • Learn how to use vector addition in physics problems.
  • Study the application of trigonometric functions in real-world scenarios.
  • Explore graphical methods for vector representation and addition.
  • Investigate the concept of negative angles and their implications in navigation.
USEFUL FOR

Students in introductory physics courses, particularly those focusing on mechanics and vector analysis, as well as anyone seeking to improve their problem-solving skills in physics-related contexts.

  • #31
so would i take 180 - 27.724?
 
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  • #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:
 

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