Question

Need help with these two vector problems!
Given the following x and y components, find the magnitude and direction of the vector, counter clockwise from the x-axis:
(1) x comp: -.5, y comp: 1. I found a magnitude of 1.12, but I'm having trouble with the angle.
(2) x comp: -1.5 and y comp: -1; I got (1.80, 33.7 degrees, not sure if this is correct, though. I was confused with the negatives and to find the angle.

Answer 1

mag = \(\sqrt{x^2+y^2}\)

angle = \(\tan^{-1} \frac{y}{x}\)

Answer 2

I know, but I'm confused with the "counter clockwise from the x-axis" part of the problem.

Answer 3

angle is always measured in counter clockwise, so dont wry about it

Answer 4

btw, ur magnitudes are correct,
for angle just plug it in the formula

Answer 5

Is the angle for the second problem correct?

Answer 6

nope

Answer 7

clearly, that 2nd vector is in 4th quadrant, so we shud get angle >180

Answer 8

Hmmm, that's where I'm getting confused

Answer 9

yeah :) just add 180 to that angle, as tan period is \(\pi\)