Vector magnitude and direction question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on calculating the components, magnitude, and direction of vector C, defined as vector A + vector B. The components of vector A are A x = 4 and A y = 2, while vector B has components B x = -3 and B y = -5. The resulting components of vector C are confirmed as C x = 1 and C y = -3, leading to a magnitude of 3.2. The direction calculation, initially attempted as -72 degrees, is corrected to a positive angle of 72 degrees, indicating a direction of "East 72 South."

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Homework Statement



Suppose vector C = vector A + vector B where vector A has components vector A x = 4, vector A y = 2 and vector B has components vector B x = -3, vector B y = -5.
(a) What are the x- and y- components of vector C ?

I've solved this to figure out that x = 1 and y = -3 for C

(b)What are the magnitude and direction of vector C ?
magnitude I've solved this to be 3.2
direction ? (clockwise from the x-axis) This is what I can't get. I've solved for the angle and gotten -72 degrees using tan -3/1. Does anybody know what I'm doing wrong?

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution

 
Last edited:
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Why do you say that answer is wrong. Perhaps you are not being accurate enough. 71 degrees, 35 minutes is slightly more accurate, 71 degrees, 34 minutes, and 36 seconds even more accurate. Or perhaps they want the answer in radians.
 
It's an online problem that checks itself when you put in the answer. It's telling me that my answer of -72 degrees is wrong and I'm not sure why. Also, it wants it in degrees specifically.
 
I've solved this to figure out that x = 1 and y = -3 for C

If X is 1 then that would be east, and given that the Y component is negative, its south.

I don't know the details of the question, but try East 72 South
 
Perhaps they want an answer between 0 and 360 degrees.
 

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