Math Problem Statement

Vector A is in the direction 86.5 degree clockwise from -y axis. The x component of A is -91.3. What is the magnitude of A? The answer has no unit.

Solution

We are given that:

  • Vector A is 86.5° clockwise from the negative y-axis.
  • The x-component of A is 91.3-91.3.

To find the magnitude of A, we first need to calculate the angle of the vector relative to the positive x-axis, then use the x-component to solve for the magnitude.

Step 1: Find the angle relative to the x-axis

Since the vector is 86.5° clockwise from the negative y-axis, the angle relative to the positive x-axis (θ\theta) is:

θ=270+86.5=356.5\theta = 270^\circ + 86.5^\circ = 356.5^\circ

Step 2: Use the x-component to find the magnitude

The x-component of a vector is given by:

Ax=Acos(θ)A_x = A \cos(\theta)

Substituting the given x-component and the angle:

91.3=Acos(356.5)-91.3 = A \cos(356.5^\circ)

Since cos(356.5)\cos(356.5^\circ) is approximately 0.99620.9962, we can now solve for the magnitude of the vector A:

91.3=A×0.9962-91.3 = A \times 0.9962

A=91.30.9962A = \frac{-91.3}{0.9962}

Let's calculate this value.

A91.65A \approx 91.65

Thus, the magnitude of A is approximately 91.65.

Would you like further details on any step or have more questions?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How would the angle change if the vector was measured counterclockwise instead of clockwise?
  2. What if the y-component of the vector was given instead of the x-component?
  3. How can you find the direction of the vector if both components are known?
  4. How do trigonometric functions like sine and cosine relate to vector components?
  5. Can you determine the vector in component form using the magnitude and direction?

Tip: The magnitude of a vector is always positive, but its components (x and y) can be negative or positive depending on the direction.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Trigonometry
Vector Components
Angle Measurement

Formulas

Ax = A * cos(θ)
Magnitude of a vector A = sqrt(Ax^2 + Ay^2)

Theorems

Pythagorean theorem
Trigonometric identities

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12