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 A2\mathbf{A}_2, represented by the components Ax2=6.70mA_{x2} = -6.70 \, \text{m} and Ay2=3.00mA_{y2} = -3.00 \, \text{m}, we use the following formula:

θ=tan1(Ay2Ax2)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{A_{y2}}{A_{x2}}\right)

Substituting the given values:

θ=tan1(3.006.70)\theta = \tan^{-1}\left(\frac{-3.00}{-6.70}\right)

θ=tan1(0.4478)\theta = \tan^{-1}(0.4478)

Calculating this:

θ24.05\theta \approx 24.05^\circ

Since both Ax2A_{x2} and Ay2A_{y2} are negative, the vector A2\mathbf{A}_2 lies in the third quadrant. To find the correct direction relative to the positive x-axis (measured counterclockwise), we add 180180^\circ to the angle calculated in the first quadrant:

θ=24.05+180=204.05\theta = 24.05^\circ + 180^\circ = 204.05^\circ

So, the direction of the vector A2\mathbf{A}_2 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:

  1. How would the direction change if Ax2A_{x2} were positive and Ay2A_{y2} remained negative?
  2. What would the direction be if the vector were in the first quadrant?
  3. How can you verify the direction using the sine and cosine functions?
  4. How does the direction change if the vector's magnitude increases but the components remain proportional?
  5. 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