Vector A⃗ points in the negative x direction. Vector B⃗ points at an angle of 30.0∘ above the positive x axis. Vector C⃗ has a magnitude of 19m and points in a direction 37.0∘ below the positive x axis. Given that A⃗ +B⃗ +C⃗ =0, find the magnitudes of A⃗ and B⃗ .

Mathematics · High School · Tue Nov 03 2020

Answered on

Given information:

Vector A points in the negative x direction.

Vector B points at an angle of 30° above the positive x-axis.

Vector C has a magnitude of 19m and points in a direction of 37° below the positive x-axis. 

A + B + C = 0

We have to find the magnitude of A and B. 

Vector A in the negative x direction is-a. 

Vector B = b cos 30° - b sin 30°

Vector C = 19 cos 37° - 19 sin 37°

The equations are:

19 cos 37° + b cos 30° - a = 0  …eqn¹

19 in 37° - b sin 30° = 0   eqn²

With eqn²

19 in 37° = b sin 30°

19(0.6018) = b (0.5)

11.4342 = 0.5b

b = 11.4342/0.5

b = 22.8684

|b| = 22.8684 m 

Put b's value in eqn¹

19 cos 37° + b cos 30° - a = 0

19(0.7986) + 22.8684(0.8660) - a = 0

15.1734 + 19.8040 = a 

a = 19.8040

|a| = 19.8040 m 

Therefore, the magnitudes of A and B are 34.9774 m and 22.8684 m.