What is the value of its x-component?

[bpatel4116]

A velocity vector 55 degrees below the positive x-axis has a y-component of -13 m/s.

What is the value of its x-component?

Ive tried many different ways for this problem but i keep getting it wrong! help!

 

[LowlyPion]

A velocity vector 55 degrees below the positive x-axis has a y-component of -13 m/s.

What is the value of its x-component?

Ive tried many different ways for this problem but i keep getting it wrong! help!

Welcome to PF.

If your vector is pointing 55° down then draw the diagram.

You have a triangle - you have the angle - they tell you a side - then figure out the length of the hippopotamus.

 

[nlightner]

The value of the x-component of the velocity vector can be calculated using trigonometric functions. Since the vector is 55 degrees below the positive x-axis, we can use the sine function to find the ratio of the y-component to the hypotenuse (the magnitude of the velocity vector). This can be represented as sin(55°) = -13/h, where h is the magnitude of the velocity vector. Solving for h, we get h = -13/sin(55°) ≈ -15.89 m/s.

Now, to find the x-component, we can use the cosine function, which represents the ratio of the adjacent side (x-component) to the hypotenuse. This can be represented as cos(55°) = x/-15.89. Solving for x, we get x = -15.89*cos(55°) ≈ -10.87 m/s.

Therefore, the value of the x-component of the velocity vector is approximately -10.87 m/s.