Write the vector v in terms of i and j whose magnitude ||v|| and direction angle θ are given. ||v|| = 8, θ = 45°
Verified step by step guidance
1
Recall that a vector \( \mathbf{v} \) in two dimensions can be expressed in terms of the unit vectors \( \mathbf{i} \) and \( \mathbf{j} \) as \( \mathbf{v} = v_x \mathbf{i} + v_y \mathbf{j} \), where \( v_x \) and \( v_y \) are the components of the vector along the x-axis and y-axis respectively.
Use the magnitude \( ||\mathbf{v}|| = 8 \) and the direction angle \( \theta = 45^\circ \) to find the components. The components can be found using the formulas: \( v_x = ||\mathbf{v}|| \cos(\theta) \) and \( v_y = ||\mathbf{v}|| \sin(\theta) \).
Substitute the given values into the component formulas: \( v_x = 8 \cos(45^\circ) \) and \( v_y = 8 \sin(45^\circ) \).
Calculate the cosine and sine of \( 45^\circ \) (you can use the exact values or a calculator), then multiply by 8 to find the components \( v_x \) and \( v_y \).
Write the vector \( \mathbf{v} \) in terms of \( \mathbf{i} \) and \( \mathbf{j} \) as \( \mathbf{v} = v_x \mathbf{i} + v_y \mathbf{j} \) using the components found in the previous step.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
2m
Play a video:
0 Comments
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Vector Representation in the Plane
A vector in two dimensions can be expressed as a combination of unit vectors i and j along the x and y axes, respectively. Writing a vector in terms of i and j involves finding its horizontal and vertical components, which correspond to the vector's projections on these axes.
The magnitude of a vector represents its length, while the direction angle θ indicates the angle it makes with the positive x-axis. These two parameters uniquely define the vector's position in the plane and are essential for converting between polar and rectangular forms.
The horizontal (x) and vertical (y) components of a vector can be found using cosine and sine of the direction angle θ, respectively. Specifically, x = ||v|| cos θ and y = ||v|| sin θ, which allows expressing the vector as v = x i + y j.