Two forces applied to car, direction?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the direction of two forces applied to a car, specifically how to calculate the angle using vector analysis. The user attempted to find the angle using the equation theta=tan^-1(Ay/Ax) but received an incorrect result on Webassign. It was noted that the angle should be measured "to the right of the forward direction," suggesting a need for a different approach. The recommendation is to apply the head-to-tail rule for vector addition and potentially use the sine or cosine rule for accurate angle calculation. Correctly interpreting the direction in relation to the positive x-axis is crucial for solving the problem.
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Two forces applied to car, direction??

Homework Statement


Here is my given diagram and problem:
Screen Shot 2013-02-06 at 2.04.05 PM.png



Homework Equations


I'm stuck on finding the direction. I tried using the equation theta=tan^-1(Ay/Ax), and the answer was incorrect.


The Attempt at a Solution


As you can see, I have the acceleration and the magnitude of the vector correct. My value for Ay=0.2378 and my value for Ax=0.03487. I know these are the correct values because I had to use them to find the other parts of the question, which are marked correct. This is what I did:
theta=tan^-1(0.2378/0.03487)
=81.7* It was marked incorrect on Webassign.

Where did I go wrong?

Thanks!
 
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You've given the angle with respect to the positive x-axis.
They ask for it "to the right of the forward direction"
 


Solve using vector analysis of the 'head to tail rule'. Which then should allow you to solve for resultant angle using trigonometry, probably will need to use one of either cosine or sine rule.
 
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