Sunday, March 15, 2009

`bbv = -5bbi + 4bbj` Find the magnitude and direction angle of the vector `bbv`.

The magnitude of a vector `u = a*i + b*j` , such that:


`|u| = sqrt(a^2+b^2)`


In the problem, the vector `v = -5i + 4j,` hence, its' magnitude is:


`|v| = sqrt((-5)^2 + 4^2) => |v| = sqrt(25+16) => |v| = sqrt41`


The direction angle of the vector can be found using the formula, such that:


`tan theta = b/a`


`tan theta = -4/5 => theta = tan^(-1)(-4/5)`


Hence, evaluating the magnitude and the direction angle of the given vector yields `|v| = sqrt41` , `theta = tan^(-1)(-4/5).`

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