Introductory Vector Problem- Airplane emergency landing

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SUMMARY

The discussion revolves around solving a vector problem involving an airplane's emergency landing after flying two segments: 180 km at 67.0 degrees east of north and 255 km at 49.0 degrees south of east. The user calculated the resultant vector components, obtaining Ax = 332.99 km and Ay = -122.12 km, leading to a resultant distance R = 310 km. However, the expected distance is at least 333 km, indicating an error in the calculations or assumptions made during the process. The user expressed confusion regarding the discrepancy and sought clarification on the expected minimum distance.

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  • Understanding of vector addition and components
  • Knowledge of trigonometric functions (sine and cosine)
  • Familiarity with coordinate systems and angle measurements
  • Basic proficiency in using calculators for trigonometric calculations
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  • Study trigonometric functions and their applications in vector problems
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Students studying physics, particularly in vector mechanics, educators teaching vector addition, and anyone involved in navigation or flight path calculations.

Jarvis88
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Homework Statement


[/B]
A plane leaves the airport in Galisteo and flies 180 km at 67.0 degrees east of north; then it changes direction to fly 255 km at 49.0 degrees south of east, after which it makes an immediate emergency landing in a pasture.

When the airport sends out a rescue crew, how far should this crew fly to go directly to this plane

The Attempt at a Solution


I assume I need the angle as measured counterclockwise from the x-axis,
90deg - 67deg =23deg

Ax = 180cos23 =165.69 km
Ay = 180sin23 =70.33 km

Bx = 255cos49 =167.295 km
By = -255sin49 = -192.45 (because I have my vector pointed in the negative y direction along the positive x-axis)

Ax+Bx = 332.99 km
Ay+By = -122.12 km

R= sqrt [(332.99^2)+(122.12^2)]
R= 310 km

I'm not sure where I've gone wrong. I also used Ax=180sin67 and Ay=180cos67, which give the same numbers (because they're complimentary angles?). I didn't round my numbers when I calculated everything; I put in the exact numbers when I added and took the square root.
Mastering Physics says I'm wrong, but doesn't provide a hint as to why.
 
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Jarvis88 said:
R= sqrt [(332.99^2)+(122.12^2)]
This number must be at least 333 ...
 
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Orodruin said:
This number must be at least 333 ...

Thank you! I rechecked my math, and somehow I must not have entered it into my calculator correctly. This may be a silly question, but how would I know it's supposed to be at least 333? Is it because 333 was the largest squared number and it was added to the other number?
 

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