Solving Vector Problem: What Went Wrong?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a vector problem involving the components of vectors A, B, and C, and the interpretation of their relationships. The original poster expresses confusion regarding their calculations and the expected result.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the components of the vectors and question the relationship between them, particularly focusing on how to find vector C such that B + C = A. There is also a discussion about the nature of the final displacement being a vector rather than a scalar.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on the interpretation of the problem and the relationships between the vectors. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify the final displacement and its representation.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the original poster's calculations may have misinterpreted the problem's requirements, particularly regarding the distinction between vector and scalar quantities.

Miike012
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Posted a picture... the picture consists of the word problem and the triangle is how I interpreted the problem...

Vector A Components: (0,10)
Vector B Components: ( Cos60*6,Sin60*6)

Vector C Components: (Cos60*6 = 3 , Sin60*6 + 10 = 15) ... ( 3 , 15 )

Vector C = (9 + 225) ^(1/2) = 15

The true answer is 5.66...
What did I do wrong?
 

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Miike012 said:
Posted a picture... the picture consists of the word problem and the triangle is how I interpreted the problem...

Vector A Components: (0,10)
Vector B Components: ( Cos60*6,Sin60*6)
Correct up until here.

You want to find vector [itex]C[/itex] such that [itex]B+C = A[/itex]. Do you understand why?

Also you should note that the questions asks for the final displacement, which is a vector, not a scalar.
 
Would the resultant vector be A at (0,10) because that is where the final position lies?
 
Miike012 said:
Would the resultant vector be A at (0,10) because that is where the final position lies?
Yes, but you want to find [itex]C[/itex]
 

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