Solving Cartesian Vector Problems: |D|, |E|, D+E, E-D

  • Thread starter Thread starter mwhowell
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Cartesian Vectors
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The problem involves Cartesian vectors, specifically calculating the magnitudes of vectors D and E, as well as performing vector addition and subtraction. The vectors are defined as D=3i–2j and E=–7i+5j.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the meaning of the magnitude of a vector and how to find it. There is uncertainty about the representation of the vectors in coordinate form and the process of calculating their magnitudes.

Discussion Status

Some participants are exploring the concept of vector magnitude and attempting to clarify how to represent the vectors in Cartesian coordinates. There is an ongoing dialogue about the geometric interpretation of the vectors.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes the need for hats over the variables, indicating a specific notation requirement. There is also a mention of drawing the vectors to understand their magnitudes better.

mwhowell
Messages
17
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



If D=3i–2j and E=–7i+5j … (a) What is |D|? (b) What is |E|?
(c) What are the vectors D+E and E–D?

!THERE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE HATS OVER THE VARIABLES!


I would put up an attempt at the problem if I even knew how to attempt it.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
|D| just means the magnitude of the vector D, how do you find the magnitude of a vector?
 
so does that just mean D= (3,2)?
 
mwhowell said:
so does that just mean D= (3,2)?

If you draw the vector. Starting at the origin, you'd go 3 units in the x-direction and 2 units in the negative y-direction. Join the ending of this point back to the origin. The length of the diagonal is the magnitude of the vector.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
5
Views
910
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
13
Views
2K