Question

Sometimes we need to know the components of a vector. This will happen when we know the length and direction of a vector, but not the perpendicular vectors.

Dave walks 15 m at a compass heading of 37◦ . How far east does Dave walk? North? )A compass heading is a way of describing direction. The following compass headings have defined angles: N is 0◦ , E is 90◦ , S is 180◦ , and W is 270◦)

Answer 1

Components of a vector(R) at angle deg clockwise from North is given by,

Rx = |R|*sin

Ry = |R|*cos

here, |R| = distance traveled by Dave = 15 m

= angle from North = 37 deg

So,

a.) Rx = distance Dave walked in east = 15*sin(37 deg)

Rx = 9 m

b.)

Also, Ry = distance Dave walked in North = 15*cos(37 deg)

Ry = 12 m

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