Math Problem Statement

Show that any vector v can be written as |v| cos theta, |v| sin theta

Solution

To show that any vector v\mathbf{v} can be written as vcosθ\left| \mathbf{v} \right| \cos \theta and vsinθ\left| \mathbf{v} \right| \sin \theta, let's go through the reasoning step-by-step.

  1. Define the Vector Components: Let v\mathbf{v} be a vector in a two-dimensional Cartesian plane, with components (vx,vy)(v_x, v_y).

  2. Magnitude of the Vector: The magnitude (or length) of v\mathbf{v}, denoted v\left| \mathbf{v} \right|, is given by: v=vx2+vy2\left| \mathbf{v} \right| = \sqrt{v_x^2 + v_y^2}

  3. Angle with the Positive x-Axis: Suppose θ\theta is the angle that v\mathbf{v} makes with the positive xx-axis. By trigonometry, we can express the components of v\mathbf{v} in terms of θ\theta and v\left| \mathbf{v} \right|: vx=vcosθv_x = \left| \mathbf{v} \right| \cos \theta vy=vsinθv_y = \left| \mathbf{v} \right| \sin \theta

  4. Expressing v\mathbf{v} in Terms of Magnitude and Direction: Since v=(vx,vy)\mathbf{v} = (v_x, v_y), we can substitute the expressions for vxv_x and vyv_y: v=(vcosθ,vsinθ)\mathbf{v} = \left( \left| \mathbf{v} \right| \cos \theta, \left| \mathbf{v} \right| \sin \theta \right)

Thus, any vector v\mathbf{v} can indeed be written in the form vcosθ\left| \mathbf{v} \right| \cos \theta and vsinθ\left| \mathbf{v} \right| \sin \theta, where v\left| \mathbf{v} \right| is the magnitude of the vector, and θ\theta is the angle it makes with the positive xx-axis.

Would you like more details on any step or further clarification? Here are some related questions:

  1. How can this representation be extended to three dimensions?
  2. Why is the magnitude important in vector representation?
  3. How does this representation help in vector addition?
  4. Can we represent vectors in terms of other angles besides the x-axis angle?
  5. What happens to this form if the angle θ\theta 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