Finding the Vector Angles from a Map

[TheJason]

Problem:

One person is going 70 m and 30 degrees northeast (Vector A)

One person is going 63 m and 35 degrees southwest from the ending point of the first person (Vector B)

One person is going 15 m directly south from the ending point of the 2nd person. (Vector C)

How can we find the vector angles so we can find the x and y components of the displacements?

 

[Harry_the_cat]

Have you drawn a diagram and labelled the appropriate angles?

Are you wanting the x and y components of each vector?

 

[TheJason]

I just need the vector angles, the converted ones suitable to go into a component equation something like A (sub y) = A sin [theta] (sub A) etc.

I am working on a diagram.

 

[TheJason]

The angles are the numbers written without degree signs because of limited space.

 

[Steven G]

I do not agree with your 30 degree angle.

You can have all three vectors, if you like, starting at the origin and then find the x and y components for each vector.

How would you finish up from there.

 

[TheJason]

I do not agree with your 30 degree angle.

You can have all three vectors, if you like, starting at the origin and then find the x and y components for each vector.

How would you finish up from there.

Well, for the first vector you would do this thing: subtract 30 from 90 to get 60. What is the logic behind that? For the 2nd one, you would add 180 and 36. What is the logic behind that? The third angle would just be 270 because it goes straight south.

 

[Steven G]

Vector C = 0x -15y
can you do the same for the other two vectors?

 

[Dr.Peterson]

Problem:

One person is going 70 m and 30 degrees northeast (Vector A)

One person is going 63 m and 35 degrees southwest from the ending point of the first person (Vector B)

One person is going 15 m directly south from the ending point of the 2nd person. (Vector C)

How can we find the vector angles so we can find the x and y components of the displacements?

I do not agree with your 30 degree angle.

I initially took the 30 degrees to be what is traditionally expressed as "north 30 degrees east", or "30 degrees east of north". If so, the picture is about right there; but the 35 degrees southwest might be wrong (drawn as 35 degrees south of west, rather than west of south?). If the latter is right on the drawing, then Steven G. is right, and the 30 should be 30 degrees north of east.

@TheJason, can you confirm how directions are described in your class?