Three vectors A, B, and C add together to yield zero

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the vector equation A + B + C = 0, where vectors A and C are in opposite directions with A = 2C. The correct conclusion drawn from the problem is that B and C have equal magnitudes and point in the same direction, confirming option A. The participants explored various approaches to solve the problem, including substituting numerical values for the vectors and manipulating the equations to find relationships between them.

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Homework Statement



Three vectors A, B, and C add together to yield zero: A + B + C = 0. The vectors A and C point in opposite directions and their magnitudes are related by the expression: A = 2C. Which one of the following conclusions is correct.

A. B and C have equal magnitudes and point in the same direction.
B. A and B have equal magnitudes and point in opposite directions.
C. B and C have equal magnitudes and point in opposite directions.
D. A and B point in the same direction, but A has twice the magnitude of B.
E. B and C point in the same direction, but C has twice the magnitude of B.


Homework Equations



A + B + C = 0

A = 2C

The Attempt at a Solution



I've never been good at these types of problems. They feel like brain teasers. I was thinking about replacing A, B, and C with numbers. A being equal to 2 times C. But that didn't work out as smoothly as I had hoped.

Um...help, please?
 
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A points in the opposite direction of C, so there is a negative involved: A = -2C.
With this, you can view it as
-2C + B + C = 0 ... (1)
-C + B = B - C = 0 ... (2)
Now you just have to figure out what set of vectors for B satisfy expression (2).
 
Sorry, I'm still not following...

Expression (1) makes sense, but (2) doesn't...
 

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