How Is the Angle Calculated Between Displacement Vectors in Navigation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angle between displacement vectors in navigation using the formula cos(α) = (u·v) / (|u||v|). The scenario involves a person walking 6.6 km north, 3.0 km west, and 7.0 km south, resulting in a straight-line distance of 3.02 km from the starting point to the final point. The initial angle calculation of 7.59 degrees was incorrect, highlighting the need for precise vector analysis to determine the correct angle between the displacement vectors.

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A person walks in the following pattern: 6.6 km north, then 3.0 km west, and finally 7.0 km south. How far and in what direction would a bird fly in a straight line from the same starting point to the same final point?

I found that the distance would be 3.02 km. My problem is trying to find the angle. I came up with an angle of 7.59 degrees but that was not right. Please, any help would be appreciated.
 
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Try using this formula: cos([tex]\alpha[/tex]) = (u(dot)v)[tex]/[/tex](|u||v|)

Sorry I am not very good with latex but it says that the cosine of alpha is equal to the dot product of the two vectors that you need the angle between over the magnitude of of one of your vectors times the other. So with your info solve for alpha.
If you need clarification please ask.
 

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