Relationship between two coordinate systems.

[theBEAST]

Homework Statement

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/1671/capturetwy.png

The Attempt at a Solution

Could someone please explain what is meant by "if v is constrained to 0"? Also how do you find a relationship between two axis of different coordinate systems? I really have no clue where to start.

Thanks!

 

[Muphrid]

Do you know how to find the coordinates of a vector with respect to an arbitrary system?

They're saying to constrain the v coordinate to zero.

 

[HallsofIvy]

'v is constrained to 0' means that we are on the u-axis. That's true because they are only asking for the value of u. Note that the origin of the u, v coordinate system is at (x, y)= (6, 3). Dropping a perpendicular from a point on the u axis, that is from (u, 0), to the line x= 6 gives a right triangle with hypotenuse of length u, 'near side' of length y- 3, and 'opposite side' of length 6- x.

The standard trig definitions of sine and cosine give sin(35)= (6-x)/u and cos(35)= (y- 3)/u.