Math Problem Statement
Find the direction of the vector A2→A2→. Let the direction of a vector be the angle that the vector makes with the +xx-axis, measured counterclockwise from that axis.
Express your answer in degrees.
Solution
To find the direction of the vector , represented by the components and , we use the following formula:
Substituting the given values:
Calculating this:
Since both and are negative, the vector lies in the third quadrant. To find the correct direction relative to the positive x-axis (measured counterclockwise), we add to the angle calculated in the first quadrant:
So, the direction of the vector is approximately 204.05 degrees counterclockwise from the positive x-axis.
Would you like further details or have any questions?
Here are 5 related questions to consider:
- How would the direction change if were positive and remained negative?
- What would the direction be if the vector were in the first quadrant?
- How can you verify the direction using the sine and cosine functions?
- How does the direction change if the vector's magnitude increases but the components remain proportional?
- What is the direction if both components are zero?
Tip: When dealing with vectors in different quadrants, always check the signs of the components to determine the correct angle relative to the x-axis.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vectors
Trigonometry
Formulas
Inverse tangent (arctan) function
Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12