What did I do wrong with these vectors?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around vector addition, specifically the calculation of the sum of two vectors, \(\vec{a}\) and \(\vec{b}\). The original poster is comparing their results with a solution provided in a book, which indicates a specific numerical answer along the x-axis.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the sum of two vectors using their components and expresses uncertainty about their results compared to the book's solution. Participants question the accuracy of specific calculations and suggest reviewing the components involved.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging in verifying calculations and discussing potential discrepancies between the original poster's results and the book's answer. Some guidance has been offered regarding the possibility of typographical errors in the book's solution.

Contextual Notes

The original poster indicates that this work is done independently and not as part of formal homework, which may affect the expectations for the discussion. There is a noted concern about the reliability of the book's answer versus personal calculations.

Newphysicsguy
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Find [itex]\vec{a}+\vec{b}[/itex] (Look at the picture)

The book shows the solutions as :
a. 4.1m Along the +x axis.

I however do not know where I went wrong in my calculations.

[itex]\vec{a}+\vec{b}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> a_x+b_x\\<br /> a_y+b_y <br /> <br /> \end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> |\vec{a}|\cos(30)+|\vec{b}|\cos(45)\\<br /> |\vec{a}|\sin(30)-|\vec{b}|\sin(45) <br /> <br /> \end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> \frac{3\sqrt{3}}{2}+\sqrt{2}\\<br /> 1.5-\sqrt{2}<br /> <br /> \end{bmatrix}=\begin{bmatrix}<br /> 4.01\\<br /> .085<br /> \end{bmatrix}[/itex]NOTE: If I posted this is the wrong location I am sorry. This is not homework, I am doing it on my own time.
EDIT: thank you for moving my post to the correct location.
 

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Check your calculation for [itex]a_y[/itex].
 
That was a typo, it should be 3sin(30) which comes to be 1.5 which I had in the 3rd step. Sorry for the typo. Unless I did it wrong anyways? Either way [itex]a_y[/itex] does not effect [itex]a_x+b_x[/itex] which is also off from what the book says.
 
You're right, your numbers in the next to last step are OK. I noticed it while you were writing your latest post. As far as I can tell, your answer is OK. Whoever wrote the answer you were given, didn't round it off correctly or consistently. To one decimal place, the components should be 4.0 and 0.1. To zero decimal places, they should be 4 and 0.

It's probably a typo for 4.01 instead of 4.1. Those things do happen. I've seen it lots of times.:smile:
 
Thank you. I am never sure if I am wrong or if the book is wrong. It's better to always assume I am wrong.
 

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