What did I do wrong? Two-Dimension Vectors

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves calculating the displacement of a woman who walks in two segments at specified angles and distances. The context is two-dimensional vectors, specifically focusing on vector addition and component analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to verify their calculations regarding displacement and expresses uncertainty about potential miscalculations or mislabeling in their approach. Some participants question the interpretation of angles and the use of vector components in calculations.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in clarifying the original poster's approach, with some providing feedback on specific components used in calculations. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the angles involved, and while some guidance has been offered, no consensus on the correctness of the original poster's answer has been reached.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions a time constraint due to an upcoming quiz, which adds urgency to the discussion. There are indications of previous issues with the accuracy of resources used for reference.

Shelilla
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1. Homework Statement
So the problem is:
A woman walks 440 m at 50° S of W and then 580 m at 60° N of E. The entire trip required 15 minutes.
A. What was the total distance (I already got the answer to this)
B. What was the displacement of the woman?

Homework Equations


I'm almost positive I did everything right. The only two things I could think of is that I mislabeled or miscalculated the equation/triangle, or it's possible that the answer in my booklet is wrong (this has happened before since my physics teacher used online resources which don't always have the right answers.) however I want to make sure it's not just me.

I have a quiz today based on this and the previous lesson so I need a reply quick.

The Attempt at a Solution



The answer in my booklet says: 165.4 m at 2.5° E of N. Is this right?
[/B]
Here is what I had written:
http://orig05.deviantart.net/276d/f/2016/287/9/d/untitled_by_shelilla-dakysaj.jpg
I separated the two angles into different triangles just like we did in lessons. However since it's such a big series of equations, unless I'm a physics expert I can't tell just by looking if I did something wrong, and if I try to revise it there is so many things that can change the answer so it's too confusing to try.
 
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You've used the Ay component in your calculation of x and Ax in your calculation of y. X directions should be east or west, and Y directions north or south.
 
Booklet is right...
What does 60 degrees north of East mean ?

[edit] Gn is right; I was wrong-footed by your drawing; the numbers are OK.
 
gneill said:
You've used the Ay component in your calculation of x and Ax in your calculation of y. X directions should be east or west, and Y directions north or south.
Crap, you're right. I probably shouldn't have started this assignment at 9, I made a few mistakes in other questions (such as sin-1(# + #) instead of sin-1(#/#) ) lol, thanks for pointing that out!
 
Glad to help. Good luck with your studies!
 

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