2. For the vector W = (12, –20), determine (W) and the angle between W and the x-axis.

Question

2.	For the vector W = (12, –20), determine (W) and the angle between W and the x-axis.

danjs · Answer

components 12 and -20

the tangent of the angle is y/x

danjs · Answer

is(W)  supposed to be length or magnitude?

mathmale · Answer

I'd be more specific and state that the horiz. comp. is 12 and that the vert. comp. is -20.  I'd also suggest that you sketch this situation, and then determine which trig function is best suited to help you find the angle.  You're looking for the MAGNITUDE of W.

danjs · Answer

$$\left| \left| W \right| \right|$$

mathmale · Answer

In this particular case, the length is pretty much the same as the magnitude.

anonymous · Answer

magnitude 
Im sure. that is why i need help with this problem, this is all the information i was given.

danjs · Answer

i always assume people just need the general direction to go  , and get most of it and just cant get started or something.. too wordy lately

mathmale · Answer

You need to determine 2 things:  1) the magnitude of the vector W, and the angle that W makes with the x-axis.

anonymous · Answer

i think that is what i need help with, just getting started. Ive gone through the lesson numerous of times and examples but there is just so little information given

danjs · Answer

|dw:1449438933264:dw|

anonymous · Answer

and all i have to do is find the angle between where the x axis and vector w? Im sorry, math is not my forte

danjs · Answer

|dw:1449439154154:dw| a component can be found from the difference in values from head to tail of the vector = <(x-x1) , (y-y1)>

danjs · Answer

ok, notice the components are parallel to the axis

the sides make right angles with x and y axis,  you have right triangles

anonymous · Answer

yes, i see

danjs · Answer

|dw:1449439393867:dw|