# Question on vectors.

1. Dec 1, 2007

What is the maximum resultant of a 1 centimeter vector and a 4 centimeter vector? What is the minimum?

This questions is like foreign to me. I am rather keen with vectors; however, I have never seen a question like this.

2. Dec 1, 2007

### cristo

Staff Emeritus
Ok, so first you should ask yourself "what is the resultant of two vectors."

3. Dec 1, 2007

i believe it is 4

4. Dec 1, 2007

dont i use a2+b2=c2

5. Dec 1, 2007

### James R

When you add the two vectors head to tail, what's the longest vector you can end up with? What is the shortest one?

6. Dec 1, 2007

5 and 4?

7. Dec 1, 2007

### amolv06

5 is correct, 4 is not. Try $$\vec{V_{1}} + \vec{V_{2}}$$ where $$\hat{V_{1}} = - \hat{V_{2}}$$.

8. Dec 1, 2007

what?

9. Dec 1, 2007

### amolv06

The vectors can have an opposite direction.

10. Dec 1, 2007

### rock.freak667

Ok...how did you get 5 and what was your reasoning behind it?

11. Dec 1, 2007

4+1=5

12. Dec 1, 2007

### rock.freak667

if that would give you the largest resultant...what do you think would give you the least?

13. Dec 2, 2007