Vector Addition Homework: Magnitude and Angle Calculations

AI Thread Summary
To calculate the magnitude of vector a = 2.3 x - 9.7 y, use the formula √(x² + y²). The angle between vector b = -18.6 x + 2.8 y and the positive x-axis can be found using the arctan function, specifically arctan(y/x). To determine the magnitude of the resultant vector a + b, first sum the components of vectors a and b, then apply the magnitude formula to the resulting vector. Online resources can provide additional guidance on these vector operations.
HeroicEdge
Messages
1
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



Two vectors are given by a = 2.3 x - 9.7 y and b = -18.6 x + 2.8 y. What is the magnitude of a?

What is the angle between vector b and the positive x-axis?

What is the magnitude of the vector a + b?

Homework Equations



I don't know

The Attempt at a Solution



None. I don't need the answer I just need to know like the steps to do it. I missed a class and don't have a book so I don't know how to do this >.< Any help is appreciated.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
HeroicEdge said:

Homework Statement



Two vectors are given by a = 2.3 x - 9.7 y and b = -18.6 x + 2.8 y. What is the magnitude of a?

What is the angle between vector b and the positive x-axis?

What is the magnitude of the vector a + b?

Homework Equations



I don't know

The Attempt at a Solution



None. I don't need the answer I just need to know like the steps to do it. I missed a class and don't have a book so I don't know how to do this >.< Any help is appreciated.

A web search will turn up lots of resources for vectors and vector operations. Here's an example: http://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/u3l1b.cfm
 

Thread 'Errors and significant figures'

I multiplied the values first without the error limit. Got 19.38. rounded it off to 2 significant figures since the given data has 2 significant figures. So = 19. For error I used the above formula. It comes out about 1.48. Now my question is. Should I write the answer as 19±1.5 (rounding 1.48 to 2 significant figures) OR should I write it as 19±1. So in short, should the error have same number of significant figures as the mean value or should it have the same number of decimal places as...
View full post »
Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Thread 'A cylinder connected to a hanging mass'

Let's declare that for the cylinder, mass = M = 10 kg Radius = R = 4 m For the wall and the floor, Friction coeff = ##\mu## = 0.5 For the hanging mass, mass = m = 11 kg First, we divide the force according to their respective plane (x and y thing, correct me if I'm wrong) and according to which, cylinder or the hanging mass, they're working on. Force on the hanging mass $$mg - T = ma$$ Force(Cylinder) on y $$N_f + f_w - Mg = 0$$ Force(Cylinder) on x $$T + f_f - N_w = Ma$$ There's also...
View full post »

Similar threads

Vector Addition Question: find angle (A+B & A-B)
Replies
3
Views
1K
How to Calculate the Bird's Net Displacement Using Vector Addition?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Velocity vectors; arrow length
Replies
3
Views
830
Vectors Directions: Where is this Resultant Vector Pointing?
Replies
14
Views
1K
Torque on a Circular Current Loop under a Misaligned Magnetic Field
Replies
1
Views
943
Vectors along different coordinate axes
Replies
2
Views
1K
Vector Subtract Given Magnitude
Replies
6
Views
2K
Vector problem -- Find the angle between vector A and vector B
Replies
8
Views
2K
How do you find the third vector C in vector addition problems?
Replies
2
Views
2K
Calculate electric force using Coulomb's law (vector components are the struggle)
Replies
3
Views
1K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top