How Do You Correctly Add and Subtract Multiple Vectors?

  • Thread starter Thread starter k-rod AP 2010
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Vectors
AI Thread Summary
To correctly add and subtract multiple vectors, the components of each vector must be accurately calculated. The user initially calculated the components of vector A incorrectly and reversed the components of vector B. After summing the x and y components, the resultant magnitude and angle were derived, but the calculations contained errors. The discussion confirms that while the procedure for vector addition and subtraction was followed correctly, the accuracy of the component values is crucial for obtaining the correct resultant. Ensuring precise component calculations is essential for solving vector problems effectively.
k-rod AP 2010
Messages
36
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


vectorA: 6 @ 40o, vectorD: 2 @ 90o, vectorB: 10 @ 80o

i have to do this problem: vectorA + vector D - vectorB

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


i had found the components to these vectors in previous problems to be:
vectorA: x=4.01 y=4.46 vectorD: x=0 y=2 vectorB: x=9.85 y=1.74

i added the total x and total y for all the vectors:
total x: (4.01+0+ -9.85)=-5.84 total y:(4.46+2+ -1.74)=4.72

i made the components for the vectorB negative because they were being subtracted but i am not sure if this is the proper procedure

these are the resultant calculations based off of the x and y totals
resultant magnitude: root((-5.84)^2 + (4.72)^2)= 7.51m
resultant angle: arctan(4.72/-5.84)=-38.9o

Did i follow the proper procedure to add and subtract vectors in the same problem?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
the procedure looks right to me... i haven't checked the calculations.
 
Your procedure is right, but some of your calculations are incorrect.
The components of vector A are off
The components of vector D look good
The components of vector B are reversed
 
Its my first year in physics so i am not the best at it but thanks for the confirmation. i thought it was right but i wasnt sure.

and zgozvrm, u were right about my numbers, i was doing the problem in a rush so i must have reversed them, my bad.
 
I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'
Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
Back
Top