Math Problem Statement

The magnitude of vectors A, B and C are 3, 4 and 5 units respectively. If A+B=C, the angle between vec A and vec B

Solution

Given the problem, where vectors A\vec{A}, B\vec{B}, and C\vec{C} have magnitudes of 3, 4, and 5 units respectively, and the vector equation A+B=C\vec{A} + \vec{B} = \vec{C}, we want to find the angle θ\theta between A\vec{A} and B\vec{B}.

To solve this, we can use the following steps:

1. Vector Equation

Given: A+B=C\vec{A} + \vec{B} = \vec{C}

2. Magnitude Relation

Taking the magnitude on both sides: A+B=C|\vec{A} + \vec{B}| = |\vec{C}|

Using the formula for the magnitude of the sum of two vectors: A+B=A2+B2+2ABcosθ|\vec{A} + \vec{B}| = \sqrt{|\vec{A}|^2 + |\vec{B}|^2 + 2|\vec{A}||\vec{B}|\cos\theta}

Substituting the magnitudes: 5=32+42+2(3)(4)cosθ5 = \sqrt{3^2 + 4^2 + 2(3)(4)\cos\theta}

3. Simplifying the Equation

5=9+16+24cosθ5 = \sqrt{9 + 16 + 24\cos\theta} 5=25+24cosθ5 = \sqrt{25 + 24\cos\theta}

Square both sides to remove the square root: 25=25+24cosθ25 = 25 + 24\cos\theta

4. Solving for cosθ\cos\theta

2525=24cosθ25 - 25 = 24\cos\theta 0=24cosθ0 = 24\cos\theta

So: cosθ=0\cos\theta = 0

5. Conclusion

If cosθ=0\cos\theta = 0, then: θ=90\theta = 90^\circ

Therefore, the angle between vectors A\vec{A} and B\vec{B} is 9090^\circ.

Would you like further details on this, or have any questions? Here are some related questions you might find interesting:

  1. How do you find the angle between any two vectors in general?
  2. What are the applications of the dot product in vector calculations?
  3. How does the Pythagorean theorem relate to vector magnitudes?
  4. Can the magnitude of a vector be negative? Why or why not?
  5. How would the solution change if the vectors did not satisfy A+B=C\vec{A} + \vec{B} = \vec{C}?

Tip: Always double-check the conditions given in vector problems; they often simplify the solution significantly!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Vector Addition
Magnitude of Vectors
Angle Between Vectors

Formulas

Magnitude of vector formula
Vector addition formula
Cosine rule for vectors

Theorems

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Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12