Physics magnitude and direction?

AI Thread Summary
A car is initially 150 meters due west of a house and travels at 30 m/s, 30 degrees south of east. After 5 seconds, the car's position relative to the house is calculated to be 77.6 meters away at an angle of 75 degrees south of west. However, this can also be expressed as 15 degrees west of south, aligning with the book's answer. The calculations confirm that both representations of the car's direction are valid. The discussion clarifies the relationship between the two angle expressions.
amber_hsk
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I know this is basic stuff, but if anyone would be willing to help... :)
At a certain time, a car is 150 meters due west of your house. If it is traveling with a constant velocity of 30m/s 30 degrees south of east, what are the ,magnitude and the direction of its position relative to your house 5 seconds later?

30m/s(5s)=150m

150cos30= roughly 130 m
150sin30=75m

150m-130m=20m

mag=sqrt((75^2)+(20^2))=77.6m

tan inverse(75/20)= 75 degrees

So, the car is 77.6 meters away from the house at an angle of 75 degrees, south of west.

Does that seem correct?
Thanks
 
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Welcome to PF!

Your answer and method of solution look correct to me.
 
TSny said:
Welcome to PF!

Your answer and method of solution look correct to me.
Thanks! :)
Though, should it be inverse tan (20/75)=15 degrees in the last part because the answer in the book was 15° west of south?
 
amber_hsk said:
Thanks! :)
Though, should it be inverse tan (20/75)=15 degrees in the last part because the answer in the book was 15° west of south?
Yes, tan-1(20/75) ≈ 14.93° .
 
amber_hsk said:
Thanks! :)
Though, should it be inverse tan (20/75)=15 degrees in the last part because the answer in the book was 15° west of south?
75o south of west is the same as 15o west of south. So, either way of expressing the answer is fine.
 
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