Solving two dimensional vector problems
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Intros
Lessons
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Examples
Lessons
- Use the law of sines to solve triangles
- Use the law of cosines to solve triangles
- Solve a vector word problem using the laws of sines and cosines
To get to school, Pauline leaves her house and walks due east 1.40 km, then takes a shortcut by walking 0.650 km [35° S of E] through a park. Find her displacement from home to school.
- Solve a difficult vector triangle using geometry
Solve the equation A+B=C.
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Topic Notes
In this lesson, we will learn:
- How to solve two dimensional vector problems using the law of sines and the law of cosines
Notes:
- Often, vector equations in physics problems result in vector triangles which can be solved using trigonometry
- At least three pieces of information are needed to solve a triangle, which can be three side lengths (SSS), two side lengths and one angle (SSA, SAS), or one side length and two angles (SAA, ASA).
- Knowing three angles (AAA) does not let you solve a triangle since you will not be able to solve for the side lengths. There is no way to know the size of the triangle without more information.
- You can always solve a triangle that you know four or more pieces of information about.
- Vector triangles that do not contain right angles can be solved either by breaking vectors into their components or using the law of sines and the law of cosines, which are trigonometric laws that apply to all triangles
Law of Sines
sinAa=sinBb=sinCc
a,b,c: length of sides a,b,c
A,B,C: angles opposite sides a, b, c
Law of Cosines
c2=a2+b2−2abcosC
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