Vector Addition: Components and Length of Vectors V(1) and V(2)

In summary, the components of the vector V(1) are V(x)=11.9, V(y)=-11.8, and V(z)=-4.4, while the components of V(2) are V(x)=8.0, V(y)=-3.7, and V(z)=-4.4. To find the components and length of the sum of these two vectors, we can use the Pythagorean theorem to find the magnitude of the vector, which is approximately 17.3. The components of the sum vector are V(x)=11.9+8.0=19.9, V(y)=-11.8+(-3.7)=-15.5,
  • #1
jena
74
0
Hi,

The question is:

The components of a vector V can be written as (V(x), V(y), V(z)). What are the components and length of a vector which is the sum of the two vectors, V(1) amd V(2). whose components are (8.0. -3.7,0.0) and (3.9,-8.1,-4.4)?

Work

For the components
V(x)= 8.0+3.9=11.9
V(y)=-3.7+-8.1=-11.8
V(z)= 0+-4.4=-4.4


That's all I have figured. I'm a little confused on the set up of this problem. to figure the length would I just use the Pythagorean theorem.

Please help and thank you
 
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  • #2
The magnitude of a vector is given by

[tex] \sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2} [/tex]
 
  • #3
So would the magnitude be

V=((11.9)^2+(-11.8)^2+(-4.4)^2)^(1/2)
V=(300.4)^(1/2)
V=17.3

Is this correct. Also when they refer to components the are referring to these:

V(x)= 8.0+3.9=11.9
V(y)=-3.7+-8.1=-11.8
V(z)= 0+-4.4=-4.4

Thank You
 
  • #4
yes, that's correct
 

1. What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction. It is often represented by an arrow, with the length of the arrow representing the magnitude and the direction of the arrow representing the direction of the vector.

2. How do you add two vectors?

To add two vectors, you first need to find the components of each vector. The components are the horizontal and vertical parts of the vector. Then, you can add the horizontal components together and the vertical components together to get the resulting vector. This can also be done graphically by placing the two vectors end to end and drawing a line from the starting point of the first vector to the ending point of the second vector.

3. What are vector components?

Vector components are the horizontal and vertical parts of a vector. They are often represented as (x,y) or (x1,x2) where x and y are the horizontal and vertical components, respectively.

4. How do you find the length of a vector?

The length of a vector, also known as its magnitude, can be found using the Pythagorean theorem. If the vector has horizontal component x and vertical component y, then the magnitude is equal to √(x2 + y2).

5. Can vectors be negative?

Yes, vectors can have negative components. A negative component represents a direction in the opposite direction of the positive component. For example, a vector with a horizontal component of -3 and a vertical component of 2 would point in the direction of -135 degrees.

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