Vector Direction Help: Solving a Vector Problem with Given Direction and Length

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a vector problem involving the determination of vector components based on given direction and length. Participants explore how to express a vector u that shares direction with another vector v, while adhering to a specified relationship between their magnitudes.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related, Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses uncertainty about how to begin solving the problem involving vector u and vector v.
  • Another participant suggests that the first step is to draw vector v and consider its projections on the x and y axes.
  • A participant proposes that to find the components of u, they should use the magnitude of v, indicating a relationship between the two vectors.
  • It is noted that the magnitude of u can be expressed as |u| = 2/3|v|, based on the relationship provided in the problem.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the need to find the components of vector u based on vector v's magnitude and direction, but there is no consensus on the specific calculations or methods to achieve this.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions made about the direction and components of the vectors, as well as the mathematical steps involved in deriving the components of u from v.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students or individuals seeking assistance with vector problems in physics or mathematics, particularly those involving direction and magnitude relationships.

teffy3001
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ive been trying to do this problem but i don't know where to start...any help?


let v be a vector of length 9 in the direction 65degrees south of west.

if u has the same direction as v, and if 3|u| = 2|v|, then which of the following can be used to describe u?


u = 5.705i + 12.235j
u = -2.536i - 5.438j
u = 2.536i + 5.438j
u = -5.705i - 12.235j
none of these
 
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teffy3001 said:
none of these

Are you sure about that?
 
no I am not sure...cause I am not even sure how to get started on this question...
 
teffy3001 said:
no I am not sure...cause I am not even sure how to get started on this question...

Draw your vector v down, first. Do you know anything about projections on the x and y axis?
 
yeah
i think i have to find the components of u but using the magnitude of v..is that right?
 
teffy3001 said:
yeah
i think i have to find the components of u but using the magnitude of v..is that right?

First of all, you have to write down v in the form v = ___ i + ___ j. Then, you know that 3|u| = 2|v|, eg |u| = 2/3|v|.
 
okay thanks i think i got it now : )
 

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