Math Problem Statement

What direction does vector v point? v = <-10, 10>

Solution

To determine the direction in which vector v points, we can calculate its angle with respect to the positive x-axis. The vector v is given by v=10,10\vec{v} = \langle -10, 10 \rangle, where the x-component is -10 and the y-component is 10.

Step 1: Calculate the angle (θ)

The direction of the vector can be found using the formula for the angle θ between the vector and the positive x-axis:

θ=tan1(yx)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{y}{x}\right)

For v=10,10\vec{v} = \langle -10, 10 \rangle:

θ=tan1(1010)=tan1(1)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{10}{-10}\right) = \tan^{-1}(-1)

θ=45\theta = -45^\circ

Step 2: Adjust for the quadrant

Since the vector has a negative x-component and a positive y-component, it lies in the second quadrant. To find the actual angle from the positive x-axis, we add 180° to the calculated angle:

θ=18045=135\theta = 180^\circ - 45^\circ = 135^\circ

Conclusion:

The vector v=10,10\vec{v} = \langle -10, 10 \rangle points at an angle of 135° counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.

Would you like further details or have any questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the magnitude of vector v\vec{v}?
  2. How would the direction change if the x-component were positive?
  3. Can you find the unit vector in the direction of v\vec{v}?
  4. How can you express the vector v\vec{v} in polar coordinates?
  5. What would be the result if you added another vector to v\vec{v}?

Tip: The quadrant a vector lies in is determined by the signs of its x- and y-components.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Trigonometry
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

θ = tan^(-1)(y/x)
θ = 180° + calculated angle (for 2nd quadrant)

Theorems

Inverse tangent function for angle calculation

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12