Math Problem Statement
Show that any vector v can be written as |v| cos theta, |v| sin theta
Solution
To show that any vector can be written as and , let's go through the reasoning step-by-step.
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Define the Vector Components: Let be a vector in a two-dimensional Cartesian plane, with components .
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Magnitude of the Vector: The magnitude (or length) of , denoted , is given by:
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Angle with the Positive x-Axis: Suppose is the angle that makes with the positive -axis. By trigonometry, we can express the components of in terms of and :
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Expressing in Terms of Magnitude and Direction: Since , we can substitute the expressions for and :
Thus, any vector can indeed be written in the form and , where is the magnitude of the vector, and is the angle it makes with the positive -axis.
Would you like more details on any step or further clarification? Here are some related questions:
- How can this representation be extended to three dimensions?
- Why is the magnitude important in vector representation?
- How does this representation help in vector addition?
- Can we represent vectors in terms of other angles besides the x-axis angle?
- What happens to this form if the angle is 90°?
Tip: Understanding vector components in terms of trigonometric functions helps in analyzing directional quantities, like forces and velocities, in physics.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Vector Components
Trigonometry
Magnitude and Direction of a Vector
Formulas
v_x = |v| cos θ
v_y = |v| sin θ
|v| = √(v_x^2 + v_y^2)
Theorems
Trigonometric Representation of Vectors
Suitable Grade Level
Grades 10-12
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