What is the angle between a vector and the positive x-axis?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle between a given vector A = -24.5i + 45.4j and the positive x-axis, focusing on the relationship between the vector's components and the angle's calculation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the relationship between the vector components and the angle, with one participant expressing confusion about determining the x and y components. Others discuss the use of the tangent function and the calculation of the angle, including the consideration of angle conventions.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided calculations and insights into the angle's determination, while others are still grappling with understanding the components and the implications of angle measurement conventions. There is a mix of resolved and unresolved questions regarding the approach to the problem.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the magnitude of the vector and its components, with some confusion about the necessity of the magnitude in calculating the angle. The discussion also touches on the conventions for measuring angles from the x-axis.

mbecker19
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The angle (in degrees) between A = -24.5i + 45.4j, and the positive x-axis is?
 
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If A = xi + yj, then tan(theta) = y/x
 
i still don't know how to figure out the angle I am confused
i know the magnitude of the vector is 38.3 but what is the x or y component
 
actually i figured it out all i had to do was set tan-1(45.4/-24.5) and got 61.65 and then added the 28.35 which was the extra onto the already existing 90 degrees and got 118.35 deg
thank you
 
In this vector, x component is -24.5 and y component is 45.4. To find the angle the magnitude of the vector in not needed.
And the magnitude of the vector is given by (x^2 + y^2)^1/2
 
You have to wright it as -118.35 deg, because according to convention, if you measure the angle from the x-axis in the antyclockwise direction, the angle is positive. Otherwise it is negative.
 

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