Math Problem Statement

Vector u has its initial point at (14, -6) and its terminal point at (-4, 7). Write the component form of u and find its magnitude. u = <, >, and ||u|| ≈ units.

Solution

To find the component form of vector uu and its magnitude, let's go through each part of the problem.

  1. Component Form:
    The component form of a vector uu with initial point (x1,y1)(x_1, y_1) and terminal point (x2,y2)(x_2, y_2) is given by: u=x2x1,y2y1u = \langle x_2 - x_1, y_2 - y_1 \rangle Here, (x1,y1)=(14,6)(x_1, y_1) = (14, -6) and (x2,y2)=(4,7)(x_2, y_2) = (-4, 7).

    u=414,7(6)u = \langle -4 - 14, 7 - (-6) \rangle u=18,13u = \langle -18, 13 \rangle

    So, the component form of uu is: u=18,13u = \langle -18, 13 \rangle

  2. Magnitude of uu:
    The magnitude of uu, denoted u||u||, is calculated using the formula: u=(x2x1)2+(y2y1)2||u|| = \sqrt{(x_2 - x_1)^2 + (y_2 - y_1)^2} Substituting in our values: u=(18)2+132||u|| = \sqrt{(-18)^2 + 13^2} u=324+169||u|| = \sqrt{324 + 169} u=49322.2||u|| = \sqrt{493} \approx 22.2

Answer:

u=18,13,u22.2 unitsu = \langle -18, 13 \rangle, \quad ||u|| \approx 22.2 \text{ units}

Would you like a deeper explanation or have any questions?


  1. How do you calculate the direction angle of a vector?
  2. What is the physical interpretation of vector magnitude?
  3. How would you find the midpoint between the initial and terminal points?
  4. How does vector addition work in component form?
  5. Can you explain scalar multiplication for vectors?

Tip: For any vector a,b\langle a, b \rangle, the direction can be found by calculating the angle θ=tan1(b/a)\theta = \tan^{-1}(b/a) with respect to the x-axis.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Vector Components
Magnitude of a Vector
Coordinate Geometry

Formulas

Component form of a vector: u = <x2 - x1, y2 - y1>
Magnitude of a vector: ||u|| = √((x2 - x1)^2 + (y2 - y1)^2)

Theorems

Pythagorean Theorem (for calculating magnitude)

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12