Vector Addition? Which Vectors Do I Draw and Where?

Join the discussion
Ask a follow-up here, or get your own question answered by working scientists, mathematicians and engineers — people, not an autocomplete.
Real named experts · corrections over time · the nuance an AI answer skips
1 replies · 1K views
Stanc
Messages
60
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Vectors a and b have magnitudes 2 and 3. The angle between them is 50 degrees. Determine 5a - 2b and determine its magnitude and direction


Homework Equations


Cosine Law and Sine Law



The Attempt at a Solution


I can solve for the magnitude using the cos law and obtain an answer of 7.67 which is correct, however the direction and angle looks as if which vector i draw and where I draw it Heres a picture (The magnitudes I have just labelled as 10 which is 5a and 6 for 2b) :

Untitled_zpsd4cc7bd5.png


Which drawing should I use, because It results in me getting different angles and direction
 
on Phys.org
The most straightforward approach would be to pick one vector as the x axis, then break the other into its component, and add them that way.