How Do You Convert a Vector into Cartesian Unit Vector Notation?

[aessex]

might be overlooking something. here is the problem.

Vector V represents a displacement of 120km at 29.0* counterclockwise from the x axis.
Write V in unit vector notation.


Andrew

 

[Pengwuino]

This is simple geometry. Draw a diagram with the x and y-axis and draw your angled vector. Now what is the vector in cartesian coordinates? Do you know what the components are of an arbitrary vector in cartesian?

 

[Phrak]

Interesting. You are given the unit notation in (r,theta). You want the unit notation in (x,y), I presume.

 

[aessex]

yes unit notation in (x,y). I just can't seem to find that in my notes and was wondering the best way to go about getting the notation in that form from what I am given.

 

[Patta1667]

I apologize if it isn't polite to give too much of a hint on PF, but here aessex: Unit notation in cartesian is given simply by $$v = xi + yj$$ where i, j are the x, y unit vectors respectively and x, y are the horizontal and vertical components. I suppose you have enough trig knowledge to figure out the x and y components given (r, theta).