How Do You Calculate Displacement from Dallas to Chicago Using Vectors?

In summary, the map provided information about the distances and directions between Atlanta, Dallas, and Chicago. Using this information and assuming a flat Earth, the displacement from Dallas to Chicago can be found by using the Law of Cosines. The directions must be at right angles for the Pythagorean Theorem to be applicable.
  • #1
BeckyStar678
24
0

Homework Statement



a map suggests that atlanta is 730 miles in a direction of 5.00 degrees north of east from dallas. the same map shows that chicago is 560 miles in a direction of 21 degrees west of north from atlanta. modeling the Earth as flat, use this info to find the displacement from dallas to chicago.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



is this just using the pythagorean theorem. is it 7302 + 5602
 
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  • #2
BeckyStar678 said:

Homework Statement



a map suggests that atlanta is 730 miles in a direction of 5.00 degrees north of east from dallas. the same map shows that chicago is 560 miles in a direction of 21 degrees west of north from atlanta. modeling the Earth as flat, use this info to find the displacement from dallas to chicago.



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



is this just using the pythagorean theorem. is it 7302 + 5602

Only if they are in direction at are right angle to each other.

Maybe you want the Law of Cosines?
 
  • #3
= c2

Yes, you are correct. To find the displacement from Dallas to Chicago, we can use the Pythagorean theorem. We first need to break down the given information into components. From Dallas to Atlanta, we have a displacement of 730 miles in a direction of 5 degrees north of east. This can be represented as a vector with a magnitude of 730 miles and a direction of 5 degrees north of east. Similarly, from Atlanta to Chicago, we have a displacement of 560 miles in a direction of 21 degrees west of north, which can be represented as a vector with a magnitude of 560 miles and a direction of 21 degrees west of north.

Using the Pythagorean theorem, we can calculate the magnitude of the displacement from Dallas to Chicago as follows:

c^2 = (730)^2 + (560)^2 - 2(730)(560)cos(5+21)

c^2 = 535,690

c = √535,690

c = 732.23 miles

Therefore, the displacement from Dallas to Chicago is approximately 732.23 miles.
 

What is a vector and how is it used in word problems?

A vector is a mathematical quantity that has both magnitude (size) and direction. It is often represented by an arrow. In word problems, vectors are used to describe quantities that have both size and direction, such as velocity, force, and displacement.

How do you add and subtract vectors in word problems?

To add vectors in word problems, you must first determine the direction and magnitude of each vector. Then, you can use the parallelogram method or the triangle method to find the resultant vector. To subtract vectors, you can use the same methods, but with the opposite direction for the vector being subtracted.

What is the difference between displacement and distance in vector word problems?

Displacement is the change in position from the initial point to the final point, while distance is the total length traveled. In vector word problems, you may be asked to find either the displacement or the distance, depending on the context of the problem.

Can you use vectors to solve real-world problems?

Yes, vectors can be used to solve a variety of real-world problems, such as finding the velocity and direction of a moving object, calculating the force needed to move an object, or determining the displacement of an object after a certain amount of time.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when solving vector word problems?

Some common mistakes to avoid when solving vector word problems include forgetting to account for the direction of the vector, using the wrong formula for adding or subtracting vectors, and misinterpreting the given information. It is important to carefully read and understand the problem and to double-check your calculations and answer.

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