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Vector magnitude and direction

Learning goals

  • Computes vector magnitude from components.
  • Determines direction from components or geometry.
  • Converts between magnitude-direction and component descriptions.
  • Interprets vectors in context.

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Vector magnitude and direction 1
Find \(\|\mathbf{v}\|\) from the graph.
Figure for problem 551841

Hints

- Read the horizontal and vertical components from point \(P\). - The magnitude is the distance from the origin to the endpoint. - Use the Pythagorean relationship between the two components and the magnitude.

Solution

1. From the endpoint, \(\mathbf{v}=\langle 3,4\rangle\). 2. Therefore, \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=\sqrt{3^2+4^2}=5\).

Answer

\(5\)
Vector magnitude and direction 2
State the direction angle of \(\mathbf{v}\) in standard position, measured counterclockwise from the positive \(x\)-axis.
Figure for problem 551842

Hints

- Identify the axis along which the arrow lies. - A horizontal vector can point in either the positive or negative direction. - Relate the arrow's direction to the standard-position angle measured from the positive \(x\)-axis.

Solution

1. Point \(P\) lies directly to the left of the origin on the negative \(x\)-axis. 2. Therefore, the vector directed from the origin to \(P\) has standard direction angle \(180^\circ\).

Answer

\(180^\circ\)
Vector magnitude and direction 3
A displacement has direction angle \(30^\circ\), measured counterclockwise from due east. Write the same direction as a quadrant bearing in the standard form \(N\theta E\), \(N\theta W\), \(S\theta E\), or \(S\theta W\).

Hints

- A standard direction angle starts from east. - A quadrant bearing starts from north or south. - Use the complementary angle in the northeast quadrant.

Solution

1. A direction angle of \(30^\circ\) means \(30^\circ\) north of east. 2. Bearings are measured from north or south, so the angle from north is \(90^\circ-30^\circ=60^\circ\). 3. The direction is therefore \(N60^\circ E\).

Answer

\(N60^\circ E\).
Vector magnitude and direction 4
Which quadrant does the vector \(\mathbf{v}\) point into, and is its horizontal component positive or negative?
Figure for problem 562245

Hints

- Look at the endpoint relative to the two axes. - A component is negative when the arrow moves in that axis's negative direction.

Solution

1. The endpoint lies to the left of the vertical axis and above the horizontal axis. 2. The displacement points into quadrant II, with a negative horizontal component.

Answer

Quadrant II; the horizontal component is negative.
Vector magnitude and direction 5
A vector is \(\mathbf{v}=\langle-3,4\rangle\). Find its magnitude and explain why its negative horizontal component does not make its magnitude negative.

Hints

- Think of the components as the signed legs of a right triangle. - How do squaring and taking the square root affect the signs?

Solution

1. The magnitude is \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=\sqrt{(-3)^2+4^2}=5\). 2. Magnitude measures length, so it cannot be negative; component signs only describe direction.

Answer

\(\|\mathbf{v}\|=5\). Length is nonnegative even when a component is negative.
Vector magnitude and direction 6
The vectors \(\mathbf{u}=\langle3,4,0\rangle\) and \(\mathbf{v}=\langle0,0,12\rangle\) are given. a) Find \(\|\mathbf{u}\|\), \(\|\mathbf{v}\|\), and \(\|\mathbf{u}+\mathbf{v}\|\). b) Verify the triangle inequality \(\|\mathbf{u}+\mathbf{v}\|\leq\|\mathbf{u}\|+\|\mathbf{v}\|\). c) Explain why equality does not hold. How would the vectors need to be oriented, without changing their magnitudes, for equality to hold?

Hints

- Use \(\sqrt{x^2+y^2+z^2}\) for vector magnitude. - Add the vectors before finding the magnitude of the sum. - Picture the two vectors placed head-to-tail. What would make the straight-line displacement as long as the whole path?

Solution

1. \(\|\mathbf{u}\|=\sqrt{3^2+4^2}=5\), and \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=12\). 2. \(\mathbf{u}+\mathbf{v}=\langle3,4,12\rangle\), so \(\|\mathbf{u}+\mathbf{v}\|=\sqrt{3^2+4^2+12^2}=13\). 3. Since \(13\leq5+12=17\), the triangle inequality holds. 4. The vectors are perpendicular because \(\mathbf{u}\cdot\mathbf{v}=0\). Equality instead requires the vectors to point in the same direction, so the inequality is strict here.

Answer

a) \(\|\mathbf{u}\|=5\), \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=12\), \(\|\mathbf{u}+\mathbf{v}\|=13\) b) \(13\leq17\) c) The vectors are perpendicular because \(\mathbf{u}\cdot\mathbf{v}=0\), so equality does not hold. Equality requires parallel vectors pointing in the same direction.
Vector magnitude and direction 7
Consider vectors in two and three dimensions. 1. A vector \(\mathbf{u}\) in the plane has magnitude \(8\). The same vector lies in the \(xy\)-plane of three-dimensional space. What is its third component, and what is its magnitude in space? Explain. 2. A vector \(\mathbf{v}\) is perpendicular to the \(xy\)-plane and has magnitude \(6\). Give one possible component form. 3. Let \(\mathbf{a}=\langle 3,4,0\rangle\) and \(\mathbf{b}=\langle 0,0,12\rangle\). Find the magnitude of \(\mathbf{s}=\mathbf{a}+\mathbf{b}\).

Hints

- A vector in the \(xy\)-plane has no vertical component. - A vector normal to the \(xy\)-plane points along the \(z\)-axis. - Add vectors componentwise, then use the magnitude formula.

Solution

1. A vector in the \(xy\)-plane has third component \(0\). Adding a zero component does not change the magnitude, so its three-dimensional magnitude remains \(8\). 2. A vector perpendicular to the \(xy\)-plane is parallel to the \(z\)-axis. One possible vector is \(\mathbf{v}=\langle 0,0,6\rangle\). 3. \(\mathbf{s}=\langle 3,4,12\rangle\), so \(\|\mathbf{s}\|=\sqrt{3^2+4^2+12^2}=\sqrt{169}=13\).

Answer

1. The third component is \(0\). The magnitude remains \(8\) because adding a zero component does not change the sum of the squared components. 2. \(\langle 0,0,6\rangle\) 3. \(13\)
Vector magnitude and direction 8
Find the magnitude of each vector. a) \(\mathbf{a}=\langle -8,12,9\rangle\) b) \(\mathbf{b}=\langle \sqrt{13},\sqrt{15},\sqrt{21}\rangle\) c) \(\mathbf{c}=\langle 1.5,-2,6\rangle\)

Hints

- Square each component and add. - Negative signs disappear when squared. - Squaring a square root returns its radicand.

Solution

1. \(\|\mathbf{a}\|=\sqrt{(-8)^2+12^2+9^2}=\sqrt{289}=17\). 2. \(\|\mathbf{b}\|=\sqrt{13+15+21}=\sqrt{49}=7\). 3. \(\|\mathbf{c}\|=\sqrt{1.5^2+(-2)^2+6^2}=\sqrt{42.25}=6.5\).

Answer

a) \(17\) b) \(7\) c) \(6.5\)
Vector magnitude and direction 9
Let \(\mathbf{v}=\langle 2k,k,10\rangle\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\). Find all values of \(k\) for which \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=15\).

Hints

- Use the squared magnitude to avoid carrying a square root. - Set the result equal to \(15^2\). - Include both square-root solutions.

Solution

1. The squared magnitude is \(\|\mathbf{v}\|^2=(2k)^2+k^2+10^2=5k^2+100\). 2. Set it equal to \(15^2\): \(5k^2+100=225\). 3. Thus, \(k^2=25\), so \(k=5\) or \(k=-5\).

Answer

\(k=5\) or \(k=-5\)
Vector magnitude and direction 10
Group the following vectors by equal magnitude: \(\mathbf{a}=\langle2,2,1\rangle\), \(\mathbf{b}=\langle4,3,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{c}=\langle3,0,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{d}=\langle0,-5,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{e}=\langle\sqrt5,2,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{f}=\langle\sqrt{20},\sqrt5,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{g}=\langle1,-2,2\rangle\), and \(\mathbf{h}=\langle0,3,4\rangle\).

Hints

- Compute squared magnitudes first. - Squaring a negative component makes it positive. - Squaring a square root gives its radicand.

Solution

1. Compute squared magnitudes: \(\|\mathbf a\|^2=9\), \(\|\mathbf b\|^2=25\), \(\|\mathbf c\|^2=9\), \(\|\mathbf d\|^2=25\), \(\|\mathbf e\|^2=9\), \(\|\mathbf f\|^2=25\), \(\|\mathbf g\|^2=9\), and \(\|\mathbf h\|^2=25\). 2. Therefore, \(\mathbf a,\mathbf c,\mathbf e,\mathbf g\) have magnitude \(3\), while \(\mathbf b,\mathbf d,\mathbf f,\mathbf h\) have magnitude \(5\).

Answer

\(\mathbf a,\mathbf c,\mathbf e,\mathbf g\) have magnitude \(3\). \(\mathbf b,\mathbf d,\mathbf f,\mathbf h\) have magnitude \(5\).
Vector magnitude and direction 11
Which of the following vectors have the same magnitude as \(\mathbf{u}=\langle 12,4,3\rangle\)? \(\mathbf{v}_1=\langle 0,13,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{v}_2=\langle \sqrt{100},\sqrt{50},\sqrt{19}\rangle\), \(\mathbf{v}_3=\langle 1,12,2\sqrt{3}\rangle\), \(\mathbf{v}_4=\langle 5,12,0\rangle\), \(\mathbf{v}_5=\langle 3,-4,12\rangle\), and \(\mathbf{v}_6=\langle 8,8,4\rangle\).

Hints

- Compare squared magnitudes to avoid taking square roots each time. - Square radical components carefully. - Which candidates have the same sum of squared components as \(\mathbf{u}\)?

Solution

1. \(\|\mathbf{u}\|^2=12^2+4^2+3^2=169\), so \(\|\mathbf{u}\|=13\). 2. The squared magnitudes are \(\|\mathbf{v}_1\|^2=169\), \(\|\mathbf{v}_2\|^2=100+50+19=169\), \(\|\mathbf{v}_3\|^2=1+144+12=157\), \(\|\mathbf{v}_4\|^2=25+144=169\), \(\|\mathbf{v}_5\|^2=9+16+144=169\), and \(\|\mathbf{v}_6\|^2=64+64+16=144\). 3. Therefore, \(\mathbf{v}_1\), \(\mathbf{v}_2\), \(\mathbf{v}_4\), and \(\mathbf{v}_5\) have magnitude \(13\).

Answer

\(\mathbf{v}_1\), \(\mathbf{v}_2\), \(\mathbf{v}_4\), and \(\mathbf{v}_5\)
Vector magnitude and direction 12
The diagram shows vector \(\mathbf{v}\). a) Find its magnitude. b) Find its direction angle, measured counterclockwise from the positive \(x\)-axis, to the nearest tenth of a degree.
Figure for problem 556092

Hints

- Read the horizontal and vertical changes from the coordinate grid. - Use the component changes to find the magnitude. - Determine the quadrant before converting a reference angle into a direction angle.

Solution

1. Reading the endpoint from the grid gives \(\mathbf{v}=\langle -3,4\rangle\). 2. Its magnitude is \(\|\mathbf{v}\|=\sqrt{(-3)^2+4^2}=5\). 3. The vector lies in quadrant II. Its reference angle is \(\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{4}{3}\right)\approx53.1^\circ\). 4. Therefore, the direction angle is \(180^\circ-53.1^\circ=126.9^\circ\).

Answer

a) \(5\) b) \(126.9^\circ\)
Vector magnitude and direction 13
A vector has component form \(\mathbf{v}=\langle -8,-6\rangle\). a) Find \(\|\mathbf{v}\|\). b) Find the direction angle of \(\mathbf{v}\), measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis, to the nearest tenth of a degree.

Hints

- Use both components in the magnitude formula. - Determine the vector's quadrant from the component signs. - An inverse tangent gives a reference angle unless its quadrant is interpreted correctly.

Solution

1. The magnitude is \(\sqrt{(-8)^2+(-6)^2}=10\). 2. Both components are negative, so the vector lies in quadrant III. 3. The reference angle is \(\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{6}{8}\right)\approx36.9^\circ\). 4. The direction angle is \(180^\circ+36.9^\circ=216.9^\circ\).

Answer

a) \(10\) b) \(216.9^\circ\)
Vector magnitude and direction 14
A hiker's displacement from camp is \(6\,\text{mi}\) east and \(8\,\text{mi}\) north. Find the displacement's bearing, measured clockwise from north. Give the bearing to the nearest tenth of a degree using three-digit bearing notation.

Hints

- A bearing is measured clockwise from north, not counterclockwise from east. - Compare the eastward component with the northward component. - The displacement lies in the northeast quadrant, so the bearing is between \(000^\circ\) and \(090^\circ\).

Solution

1. The displacement vector is \(\langle 6,8\rangle\), where the first component is east and the second is north. 2. The vector lies east of north, so the bearing angle \(\beta\) satisfies \(\tan\beta=\frac{6}{8}\). 3. Thus \(\beta\approx36.9^\circ\). 4. In three-digit bearing notation, the bearing is \(036.9^\circ\).

Answer

\(036.9^\circ\)
Vector magnitude and direction 15
A student says that \(\mathbf{v}=\langle-4,3\rangle\) has a direction angle of \(36.9^\circ\) because \(\tan^{-1}(\frac{3}{4})\approx36.9^\circ\). Explain the mistake and find the correct direction angle, measured counterclockwise from the positive \(x\)-axis to the nearest tenth of a degree.

Hints

- Sketch the two component signs before using an inverse trigonometric function. - Is the stated angle in the same quadrant as the vector? - Compare a quadrant-II direction angle to its acute reference angle.

Solution

1. The negative \(x\)-component and positive \(y\)-component put the vector in quadrant II. 2. The student's calculation gives only the reference angle, not the direction angle measured from the positive \(x\)-axis. 3. The correct direction angle is \(180^\circ-\tan^{-1}(\frac{3}{4})\approx143.1^\circ\).

Answer

The student used the reference angle and ignored quadrant II. The direction angle is \(\approx143.1^\circ\).
Vector magnitude and direction 16
The vectors are \(\mathbf{a}=\langle 2,-3,6\rangle\) and \(\mathbf{b}=\langle 6,3,z\rangle\). a) Find \(\|\mathbf{a}\|\). b) Find the positive value of \(z\) for which \(\|\mathbf{b}\|=\|\mathbf{a}\|\).

Hints

- Use the magnitude formula for each vector. - Equal magnitudes have equal squared magnitudes. - Apply the condition that \(z\) is positive.

Solution

1. \(\|\mathbf{a}\|=\sqrt{2^2+(-3)^2+6^2}=\sqrt{49}=7\). 2. Equal magnitudes require \(6^2+3^2+z^2=7^2\). 3. Thus, \(45+z^2=49\), so \(z^2=4\). 4. Since \(z>0\), \(z=2\).

Answer

a) \(7\) b) \(z=2\)
Vector magnitude and direction 17
Two vectors \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\) have magnitudes \(\lVert\mathbf{a}\rVert=7\) and \(\lVert\mathbf{b}\rVert=4\). 1. State the smallest and largest possible values of \(\lVert\mathbf{a}+\mathbf{b}\rVert\). 2. What relative direction of the vectors produces the maximum? 3. Use a geometric argument to explain why \(\lVert\mathbf{a}+\mathbf{b}\rVert\) cannot exceed \(11\).

Hints

- Imagine changing the angle between the two vectors. - What happens when both vectors point along the same line in the same direction? - Apply the triangle inequality to the head-to-tail vector triangle.

Solution

1. The largest possible magnitude is \(7+4=11\), reached when the vectors point in the same direction. The smallest is \(|7-4|=3\), reached when they point in opposite directions. 2. The maximum occurs when \(\mathbf{a}\) and \(\mathbf{b}\) are parallel and point in the same direction. 3. In the head-to-tail vector triangle, the side representing \(\mathbf{a}+\mathbf{b}\) cannot be longer than the sum of the other two sides. Thus, \(\lVert\mathbf{a}+\mathbf{b}\rVert\leq\lVert\mathbf{a}\rVert+\lVert\mathbf{b}\rVert=11\).

Answer

1. Minimum: \(3\); maximum: \(11\) 2. The vectors are parallel and point in the same direction. 3. The triangle inequality gives \(\lVert\mathbf{a}+\mathbf{b}\rVert\leq7+4=11\).
Vector magnitude and direction 18
A vector connects \(P(3,2,-1)\) to \(Q_k(k,6,3)\), where \(k\in\mathbb{R}\). a) Write \(\overrightarrow{PQ_k}\) in terms of \(k\). b) Find its magnitude when \(k=3\). c) Find all values of \(k\) for which its magnitude is \(6\).

Hints

- Subtract the coordinates of \(P\) from those of \(Q_k\). - Use the three-dimensional magnitude formula. - Solve both cases of the resulting squared equation.

Solution

1. \(\overrightarrow{PQ_k}=\langle k-3,4,4\rangle\). 2. When \(k=3\), \(\overrightarrow{PQ_3}=\langle 0,4,4\rangle\), so \(\|\overrightarrow{PQ_3}\|=\sqrt{32}=4\sqrt2\). 3. For magnitude \(6\), \((k-3)^2+4^2+4^2=36\). 4. Thus, \((k-3)^2=4\), so \(k=1\) or \(k=5\).

Answer

a) \(\langle k-3,4,4\rangle\) b) \(4\sqrt2\) c) \(k=1\) or \(k=5\)
Vector magnitude and direction 19
The points \(A(2, 1, 0)\), \(B(5, 3, 1)\), \(C(4, 6, 3)\), and \(D(1, 4, 2)\) form quadrilateral \(ABCD\). Using the inclusive definition that a trapezoid has at least one pair of parallel sides, determine whether \(ABCD\) is a trapezoid, a parallelogram, and a rhombus. Justify each classification with vectors.

Hints

- Compare vectors for opposite sides. - Apply the exact trapezoid definition in the question, not a different one you may know. - Which pairs of lengths matter when distinguishing a rhombus from other parallelograms?

Solution

1. \(\overrightarrow{AB}=\langle 3,2,1\rangle\) and \(\overrightarrow{DC}=C-D=\langle 3,2,1\rangle\). 2. Since \(\overrightarrow{AB}=\overrightarrow{DC}\), one pair of opposite sides is equal and parallel. Thus, \(ABCD\) is a parallelogram and, under the inclusive definition, also a trapezoid. 3. \(\overrightarrow{BC}=\langle -1,3,2\rangle\). 4. \(\|\overrightarrow{AB}\|=\sqrt{14}\) and \(\|\overrightarrow{BC}\|=\sqrt{14}\). 5. A parallelogram with two adjacent sides of equal length is a rhombus. Therefore, \(ABCD\) is also a rhombus.

Answer

\(ABCD\) is a trapezoid and a parallelogram because \(\overrightarrow{AB}=\overrightarrow{DC}=\langle 3,2,1\rangle\); opposite sides are parallel and equal. Since \(\|\overrightarrow{AB}\|=\|\overrightarrow{BC}\|=\sqrt{14}\), its adjacent sides are equal too, making it a rhombus.
Vector magnitude and direction 20
A vector \(\mathbf{v}=\langle -6,y\rangle\) has magnitude \(10\) and points into quadrant III. a) Find \(y\). b) Find the direction angle of \(\mathbf{v}\), measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis, to the nearest tenth of a degree.

Hints

- Use the magnitude equation before deciding the sign of the missing component. - The stated quadrant determines which square-root choice is valid. - Convert the reference angle to the standard direction angle using the quadrant.

Solution

1. The magnitude condition gives \((-6)^2+y^2=10^2\), so \(y^2=64\). 2. Thus \(y=\pm8\). Because the vector lies in quadrant III, its y-component must be negative, so \(y=-8\). 3. The reference angle is \(\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{8}{6}\right)\approx53.1^\circ\). 4. A quadrant-III direction angle is \(180^\circ+53.1^\circ=233.1^\circ\).

Answer

a) \(y=-8\) b) \(233.1^\circ\)
Vector magnitude and direction 21
A roof lies in the plane \(E:2x-y+2z=12\). A vertical rod of length \(2\) is attached at \(P(3,2,4)\). Its shadow on \(E\) has length \(3\) and lies on \(h:\mathbf{r}(\lambda)=\langle 3,2,4\rangle+\lambda\langle 2,2,-1\rangle\). Find one representative direction vector for each sunlight direction supported by the data.

Hints

- Find the top of the vertical rod. - Compute the magnitude of the shadow line's direction vector. - Locate points at the stated distance from \(P\) in both directions along the line. - A sunlight direction points from the rod's top to a possible shadow point.

Solution

1. The top of the rod is \(Q(3,2,6)\). 2. The direction vector of \(h\) has magnitude \(\sqrt{2^2+2^2+(-1)^2}=3\). 3. Because the shadow length is \(3\), the shadow point of the rod's top can be one direction-vector length from \(P\) in either direction along \(h\). 4. The first possible shadow point is \(S_1=P+\langle 2,2,-1\rangle=(5,4,3)\). One representative sunlight direction is \(\overrightarrow{QS_1}=\langle 2,2,-3\rangle\). 5. The second possible shadow point is \(S_2=P-\langle 2,2,-1\rangle=(1,0,5)\). One representative sunlight direction is \(\overrightarrow{QS_2}=\langle -2,-2,-1\rangle\). 6. Positive scalar multiples of either representative describe the same corresponding direction.

Answer

One representative for each supported direction is \(\langle 2,2,-3\rangle\) or \(\langle -2,-2,-1\rangle\).
Vector magnitude and direction 22
A right triangular prism has lower base \(ABC\) and parallel upper base \(DEF\). The lateral edges are \(\overline{AD}\), \(\overline{BE}\), and \(\overline{CF}\). a) How many directed segments \(\overrightarrow{PQ}\), with distinct vertices \(P\) and \(Q\), can be formed from the six vertices? b) List all directed segments that represent the same vector as \(\overrightarrow{AD}\). c) How many distinct vectors are represented by all the directed segments from part a)?

Hints

- Count ordered pairs of distinct vertices. - Equal vectors must have the same magnitude and direction. - Separate base edges, lateral edges, and diagonals of the rectangular faces. - A vector and its opposite count as different vectors.

Solution

1. For the initial vertex there are \(6\) choices, and for the terminal vertex there are \(5\) remaining choices. Thus, there are \(6\cdot5=30\) directed segments. 2. Corresponding lateral edges of a prism are equal and parallel with the same orientation, so \(\overrightarrow{AD}=\overrightarrow{BE}=\overrightarrow{CF}\). 3. Count the distinct vectors by type. The two orientations of the lateral-edge vector contribute \(2\) vectors. The three edge directions in the triangular bases, together with their opposites, contribute \(6\) vectors. For segments joining noncorresponding vertices of opposite bases, there are six vectors with the upward lateral component and six with the downward lateral component. Their in-plane components are the six distinct directed base-edge vectors, and the opposite lateral components keep the upward and downward groups distinct. Thus these segments contribute \(12\) more vectors. Therefore, the total is \(2+6+12=20\).

Answer

a) \(30\) directed segments b) \(\overrightarrow{AD}\), \(\overrightarrow{BE}\), and \(\overrightarrow{CF}\) c) \(20\) distinct vectors
Vector magnitude and direction 23
A right square pyramid has square base \(ABCD\) and apex \(S\). a) How many directed segments can be formed by choosing two distinct vertices of the pyramid in order? b) List every group of two or more distinct directed segments that represents the same vector. c) How many distinct vectors are represented by all these directed segments? Explain your count.

Hints

- Count ordered pairs of distinct vertices. - Equal vectors must match in both magnitude and direction. - Consider base edges, base diagonals, and lateral edges separately. - Check whether segments outside the same plane can have identical component vectors.

Solution

1. The pyramid has \(5\) vertices, so the number of ordered pairs of distinct vertices is \(5\cdot4=20\). 2. In the square base, opposite sides are equal and parallel with matching orientation: \(\overrightarrow{AB}=\overrightarrow{DC}\), \(\overrightarrow{BA}=\overrightarrow{CD}\), \(\overrightarrow{AD}=\overrightarrow{BC}\), and \(\overrightarrow{DA}=\overrightarrow{CB}\). These are the only groups with more than one directed segment. 3. The \(8\) directed base sides represent \(4\) different vectors. The \(4\) directed base diagonals are different from one another, and the \(8\) directed lateral edges are also different. No lateral-edge vector equals a base vector, since it has a nonzero component perpendicular to the base. 4. Therefore, the total number of different vectors is \(4+4+8=16\).

Answer

a) \(20\) directed segments b) The four pairs are \(\{\overrightarrow{AB},\overrightarrow{DC}\}\), \(\{\overrightarrow{BA},\overrightarrow{CD}\}\), \(\{\overrightarrow{AD},\overrightarrow{BC}\}\), and \(\{\overrightarrow{DA},\overrightarrow{CB}\}\). c) \(16\) distinct vectors: \(4\) from base-side pairs, \(4\) from the directed base diagonals, and \(8\) from the directed lateral edges.
Vector magnitude and direction 24
Jordan is finding the direction angle of \(\mathbf{v}=\langle -4,7\rangle\). Jordan calculates \(\tan^{-1}(7/-4)\approx-60.3^\circ\) and reports \(-60.3^\circ\) as the direction angle. Explain the error and give the correct direction angle to the nearest tenth of a degree.

Hints

- Determine the quadrant from the signs of the two components before interpreting an inverse tangent. - A standard direction angle is measured counterclockwise from the positive x-axis and lies between \(0^\circ\) and \(360^\circ\). - Use the acute reference angle together with the quadrant.

Solution

1. The component signs \((- , +)\) place the vector in quadrant II. 2. The inverse-tangent calculation by itself returns an angle associated with the ratio, but it does not automatically supply the required quadrant-II standard direction angle. 3. A positive reference angle is \(\tan^{-1}\left(\frac{7}{4}\right)\approx60.3^\circ\). 4. Therefore, the correct direction angle is \(180^\circ-60.3^\circ=119.7^\circ\).

Answer

Jordan ignored the vector's quadrant. The correct direction angle is \(119.7^\circ\).

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