What Are the Maximum and Minimum Resultants of Vectors with Magnitudes 4 and 5?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the maximum and minimum possible resultants of two vectors with magnitudes of 4 and 5 units. Participants are exploring the properties of vector addition and the geometric interpretation of vector magnitudes.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the maximum resultant being 9 units when the vectors are aligned. There is a debate about the minimum resultant, with some questioning the original poster's assertion of 4 units and suggesting alternative configurations to achieve a smaller resultant.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with some participants confirming the maximum resultant and challenging the minimum resultant. There is an ongoing exploration of how the vectors can be arranged to yield different results, indicating a productive exchange of ideas.

Contextual Notes

Participants are considering the geometric arrangement of vectors and the implications of their magnitudes on the resultant. There is an emphasis on understanding the conditions under which the minimum resultant can be achieved.

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Homework Statement



what is the maximum possible resultant of two vectors with magnitudes of 4 and 5 units? what is the minium possible resultant?


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The Attempt at a Solution



so i think that the max resultant would be 9 units and the minium resultant would be 4 units?
 
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max=9 is correct, because that is when they line up parallel and add. The minimum is not 4, though. How could you line up the two vectors to get a smaller result?
 
Max is correct. Min is wrong,
If you moved 5 units in one direction and 4 in another, how close could you get to the starting point?
 
so if you went up 5 then back down four that would leave you with one?
 
Correct
 
yay thanks :)
 

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