Vector displacement equation trouble

1. Jan 24, 2008

Melchior25

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

A radar station locates a ship in distress at horizontal range 16.0 km and bearing 136° clockwise from north. From the same station a rescue plane is at horizontal range 19.6 km, 148° clockwise from north, with elevation 1.80 km.

(a) Write the vector displacement from plane to ship, letting i represent east, j north, and k up.

2. Relevant equations

Vector Displacement - A=A(x)i+A(y)j+A(z)k

I also converted the polar coordinates to Cartesian coordinates.

x=r*cos(theta)
y=r*sin(theta)

x1 = -11.5094
y1 = -11.1145

x2 = -16.6217
y2 = -10.3864

3. The attempt at a solution

So far this is what I have.......

vector displacement = (-11.5094 + -16.6217)i + (-11.1145 + -10.3864)j + (1.80)k

I have a feeling though that I am not doing something right. Could someone please double check. Thanks
1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution

2. Jan 24, 2008

Melchior25

Note: Every time I put the answers in I get the response that I used the wrong sign.

3. Jan 24, 2008

neutrino

Given two points P1 and P2, the vector displacement from P1 to P2 is v2-v1. (the v's are the position vectors of the points.)

4. Jan 24, 2008

HallsofIvy

Staff Emeritus
Did you draw a picture? The vector components from the station to the ship and from the station to the plane are exactly as you say. If you let "P" be the vector from the station to the plane, "S" the vector from the station to the ship, and "x" the vector from the plane to the ship, you should see that if you go from the station to the plane, then from the plane to the ship, that is the same as going directly from the station to the ship. In other words, S+ x= P. Then x= P- S. You want to subtract the vectors you calculated, not add them!

5. Jan 24, 2008

Melchior25

Of course, I did draw the picture. Every time I have a physics problem. I see what you're saying and it had not slipped my mind. Right after the post I did notice that I added them and then subtracted them but unfortunately I still get the wrong answer. Now I'm just stumped.