Vector problem simple question

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In summary, the conversation discusses a question involving a right angle triangle with sides labeled V3, V1, and V2. The correct answer is V2-V1, rather than the square root of V2^2+V1^2, which is a scalar expression. This is because adding and subtracting vectors is interpreted differently than with numbers. The vectors are connected in a diagram to illustrate this concept.
  • #1
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I am having trouble understanding a question that has a right angle triangle with sides labeled hypotenous=V3, and the other two sides are labeled V1, and V2. The question asks what is V3 equal to, and the correct answer is V2-V1. I can't understand why, I thought it should be the square root of V2^2+V1^2. Can someone please explain this to me?
 
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  • #2
You're right, but that is a scalar expression. Adding and subtracting with vectors as the elements is interpreted differently than with numbers. Let's say you add 2 vectors. You take the head of one (vec A) and connect it to the tail of the other (vec B). The sum (vec C) is the vector with its tail at the tail of vec A and head at the head of vec B --- A + B = C. Look at the diagram carefully and see how the vectors are connected.
 
  • #3
thank you for helping.
 

Related to Vector problem simple question

What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical object that has both magnitude and direction. It is often represented as an arrow, with the length of the arrow representing the magnitude and the direction of the arrow representing the direction.

What is a vector problem?

A vector problem is a mathematical question or scenario that involves the use of vectors to solve it. This can include finding the magnitude or direction of a vector, calculating the resultant vector, or performing vector operations such as addition or subtraction.

How do you solve a vector problem?

To solve a vector problem, you must first identify the given vectors and their respective magnitudes and directions. Then, you can use vector operations such as addition, subtraction, or multiplication to find the resultant vector. Finally, you can use trigonometric functions to calculate the magnitude and direction of the resultant vector.

What are some common applications of vectors?

Vectors have many real-world applications in fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics. They are used to represent forces, velocities, and accelerations in physics problems, as well as in navigation and motion planning in engineering. In computer graphics, vectors are used to represent 3D objects and their movements.

What are the differences between a scalar and a vector?

A scalar is a quantity that has only magnitude, while a vector has both magnitude and direction. Scalars can be added or subtracted by simply adding or subtracting their values, while vector addition and subtraction require consideration of both magnitude and direction. Additionally, vectors can be multiplied by a scalar to change their magnitude without changing their direction.

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