Math Problem Statement

The diagram shows two vectors \( \vec{p} \) and \( \vec{q} \). By using the parallelogram method, determine the resultant vector of the combinations listed: (a) \( \vec{p} + \vec{q} \), (b) \( \vec{q} - \vec{p} \), (c) \( -2\vec{q} + \vec{p} \), and (d) \( -2\vec{p} + \vec{q} \).

Solution

The problem in the image involves two vectors, p\vec{p} and q\vec{q}, and asks you to use the parallelogram method to determine the resultant vectors of various combinations of these two vectors. The choices provided are expressions involving these vectors, and the goal is to match the resultant of the parallelogram rule to one of the given vector combinations.

Explanation:

  1. Parallelogram Rule: To find the resultant vector of two vectors p\vec{p} and q\vec{q} using the parallelogram method, you need to complete a parallelogram where p\vec{p} and q\vec{q} are adjacent sides. The diagonal of the parallelogram represents the resultant vector.

  2. Steps:

    • Begin by redrawing the two vectors p\vec{p} and q\vec{q} from the same initial point.
    • Complete the parallelogram by translating one vector so that it starts at the tip of the other.
    • The diagonal from the initial point to the opposite corner of the parallelogram will be the resultant vector.

Analysis of Given Choices:

  • The diagram suggests we are looking at different linear combinations of the vectors p\vec{p} and q\vec{q}.

Given that the image isn't too clear, I'll outline the steps you need to follow to identify the correct combination:

  • a) p+q\vec{p} + \vec{q}: This would be the sum of the two vectors, forming a diagonal from the origin if you were to complete the parallelogram.
  • b) qp\vec{q} - \vec{p}: This is the vector subtraction, meaning you are flipping p\vec{p} in the opposite direction before adding it to q\vec{q}.
  • c) 2q+p-2\vec{q} + \vec{p}: This stretches q\vec{q} by a factor of 2 in the negative direction, then adds p\vec{p}.
  • d) 2p+q-2\vec{p} + \vec{q}: This stretches p\vec{p} by a factor of 2 in the negative direction, then adds q\vec{q}.

To solve it accurately, you would graphically represent these combinations and check which one matches the resultant vector shown in the diagram. It seems like choice a) or choice b) might correspond, depending on how the vectors are aligned.

Would you like me to further analyze the vectors based on the diagram?


Here are 5 related questions to explore further:

  1. How do you determine the magnitude of the resultant vector when combining two vectors?
  2. What happens to the resultant vector when one of the vectors is multiplied by a scalar?
  3. How does the angle between two vectors affect their resultant?
  4. Can you explain how to subtract vectors using the parallelogram rule?
  5. What is the significance of reversing the direction of a vector in vector addition?

Tip: Always ensure you draw vectors to scale when applying graphical methods like the parallelogram rule to get accurate results!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Vectors
Vector Addition
Vector Subtraction
Graphical Method (Parallelogram Rule)

Formulas

Resultant vector using \( \vec{R} = \vec{p} + \vec{q} \)
Vector Subtraction: \( \vec{R} = \vec{q} - \vec{p} \)
Scaling Vectors: \( -2\vec{q} + \vec{p} \), \( -2\vec{p} + \vec{q} \)

Theorems

Parallelogram Law of Vector Addition

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12