Math Problem Statement

Find the direction of the vector sum \( \vec{A} + \vec{B} \). Vector A is 17.6 m long in a 32.8° direction, and Vector B is 236 m long in a 63.9° direction.

Solution

To find the direction of the vector sum A+B\vec{A} + \vec{B}, we need to break down each vector into its horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components, add these components, and then determine the angle of the resultant vector.

Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Resolve Vector A into Components:

    • Magnitude of A\vec{A} = 17.6 m
    • Direction of A\vec{A} = 32.8° Ax=17.6cos(32.8)A_x = 17.6 \cos(32.8^\circ) Ay=17.6sin(32.8)A_y = 17.6 \sin(32.8^\circ)
  2. Resolve Vector B into Components:

    • Magnitude of B\vec{B} = 236 m
    • Direction of B\vec{B} = 63.9° Bx=236cos(63.9)B_x = 236 \cos(63.9^\circ) By=236sin(63.9)B_y = 236 \sin(63.9^\circ)
  3. Calculate the Resultant Components:

    • Sum the x-components and y-components: Rx=Ax+BxR_x = A_x + B_x Ry=Ay+ByR_y = A_y + B_y
  4. Determine the Direction of the Resultant Vector:

    • The direction angle θ\theta of R\vec{R} with respect to the positive x-axis can be found using: θ=tan1(RyRx)\theta = \tan^{-1} \left(\frac{R_y}{R_x}\right)

Let's calculate each of these steps.The direction of the resultant vector A+B\vec{A} + \vec{B} is approximately 61.861.8^\circ with respect to the positive x-axis.

Summary of Calculations:

  • Resultant x-component, Rx=118.62R_x = 118.62 m
  • Resultant y-component, Ry=221.47R_y = 221.47 m
  • Direction of A+B\vec{A} + \vec{B}: θ=61.8\theta = 61.8^\circ

Would you like further details on any step?

Related Questions

  1. How can you calculate the magnitude of the resultant vector A+B\vec{A} + \vec{B}?
  2. What if A\vec{A} or B\vec{B} had a negative angle? How would that affect the result?
  3. How do you find the angle between two vectors given their magnitudes and directions?
  4. What are some practical applications of vector addition in physics?
  5. How would the result change if A\vec{A} and B\vec{B} were in opposite directions?

Tip:

Always convert angles to radians when using trigonometric functions in calculations involving angles, unless your calculator or software specifies otherwise.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vector Addition
Trigonometry
Angle Calculation

Formulas

Vector component formulas: \( A_x = A \cos(\theta_A) \) and \( A_y = A \sin(\theta_A) \)
Resultant vector components: \( R_x = A_x + B_x \) and \( R_y = A_y + B_y \)
Direction of resultant vector: \( \theta = \tan^{-1} \left( \frac{R_y}{R_x} \right) \)

Theorems

Trigonometric Functions
Inverse Tangent Function

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12