Two forces applied to car, direction?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on determining the direction of two forces applied to a car using vector analysis. The user attempted to calculate the angle using the formula theta=tan^-1(Ay/Ax) with values Ay=0.2378 and Ax=0.03487, resulting in an angle of 81.7 degrees, which was marked incorrect on Webassign. The correct approach involves using the head-to-tail rule for vector addition and applying either the cosine or sine rule to find the resultant angle relative to the forward direction of the car.

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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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