Writing Vector Equations for positions of toy cars in the form r=a+tb ?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on writing vector equations for the positions of remote-controlled toy cars in the form r = a + tb, where 'a' is the initial position vector, 'b' is the velocity vector, and 'r' is the position vector at any time 't'. For the specific case of a car traveling at 15 cm/s in the direction of the vector 3i + 4j and passing through the point (1, -4) at t = 1 second, the velocity vector 'b' is determined to be k(3i + 4j) with |b| = 15. The magnitude of the direction vector is calculated as |a| = 5, confirming the relationship between speed and direction.

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Dosirak
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Homework Statement



For the following remote controlled toy cars, write vector equations for their positions in the form r=a+tb (a=initial position vector, b=velocity vector, r= position vector at any time t sec, distances in cm)


d. the car is traveling at 15cm/s in the direction 3i+4j ad passing through the point (1,-4) at the moment that t=1 second.


Homework Equations


[x,y]=(x0,y0)+ t[m1,m2] (?relevant?)
ka=v
|a|=[itex]\sqrt{a^2+b^2}[/itex]



The Attempt at a Solution



ka=v
|a|=[itex]\sqrt{3^2+4^2}[/itex]
|a|=[itex]\sqrt{9+16}[/itex]
|a|=[itex]\sqrt{25}[/itex]
|a|=[itex]\sqrt{5}[/itex]

... I don't know I think the time is throwing me off :cry:
 
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The speed b is 15 in the direction 3i + 4j.
That is, |b| = 15.
And b = k(3i + 4j).
Take the magnitude of both sides and see if you can solve for k.
It is very much like you wrote in your attempt, but there you said the square root of 25 was the square root of 5 - drop the square root sign in the last step.
 

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