Math Problem Statement

Find the magnitude of the vector sum, vector A plus vector B. Vector A is 41.3 meters long in a 0 degree direction. Vector B is 66.1 meters long in a 98.0 degree direction. ​

Solution

To calculate the magnitude of the vector sum of vector A and vector B, we proceed as follows:

Step 1: Resolve each vector into components

  • Vector A has a magnitude of 41.3m41.3 \, \text{m} and a direction of 00^\circ.

    • Ax=41.3cos(0)=41.3mA_x = 41.3 \cdot \cos(0^\circ) = 41.3 \, \text{m}
    • Ay=41.3sin(0)=0.0mA_y = 41.3 \cdot \sin(0^\circ) = 0.0 \, \text{m}
  • Vector B has a magnitude of 66.1m66.1 \, \text{m} and a direction of 9898^\circ.

    • Bx=66.1cos(98)B_x = 66.1 \cdot \cos(98^\circ)
    • By=66.1sin(98)B_y = 66.1 \cdot \sin(98^\circ)

Step 2: Perform component calculations

Using a calculator:

  • cos(98)0.1392\cos(98^\circ) \approx -0.1392
  • sin(98)0.9903\sin(98^\circ) \approx 0.9903

Thus:

  • Bx=66.1(0.1392)9.2mB_x = 66.1 \cdot (-0.1392) \approx -9.2 \, \text{m}
  • By=66.1(0.9903)65.4mB_y = 66.1 \cdot (0.9903) \approx 65.4 \, \text{m}

Step 3: Add components

The resultant vector's components are:

  • Rx=Ax+Bx=41.39.2=32.1mR_x = A_x + B_x = 41.3 - 9.2 = 32.1 \, \text{m}
  • Ry=Ay+By=0.0+65.4=65.4mR_y = A_y + B_y = 0.0 + 65.4 = 65.4 \, \text{m}

Step 4: Compute the magnitude

The magnitude of the resultant vector is given by: R=Rx2+Ry2R = \sqrt{R_x^2 + R_y^2} Substitute the values: R=(32.1)2+(65.4)2R = \sqrt{(32.1)^2 + (65.4)^2} R=1030.4+4287.2=5317.672.9mR = \sqrt{1030.4 + 4287.2} = \sqrt{5317.6} \approx 72.9 \, \text{m}

Final Answer:

The magnitude of the vector sum is approximately 72.9 meters.


Would you like a detailed explanation of each step or further clarifications?
Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is the angle of the resultant vector relative to the positive x-axis?
  2. How do you resolve vectors into components in general?
  3. How does the cosine and sine of angles affect vector calculations?
  4. Can this method be applied to three-dimensional vectors?
  5. What are common applications of vector addition in physics?

Tip: Always double-check your angle measurements (degrees or radians) when using trigonometric functions in calculations!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Pythagorean Theorem

Formulas

Vector components: Ax = A * cos(θ), Ay = A * sin(θ)
Resultant vector components: Rx = Ax + Bx, Ry = Ay + By
Magnitude of resultant vector: R = √(Rx² + Ry²)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem
Trigonometric Functions (sine and cosine)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12