Pre Calculus

Question

If a force of 30 pounds is directed 30° from the vertical, what vector represents this force?

a)-15i+15√3 j

 

b)15i+15√3 j

 

c)-15i-15√3 j

 

d)15i-15√3 j

Answer 1

30 degrees from the vertical is 60 degrees from the horizontal.  We will use the angle with respect to the horizontal to find the x-component (i) and y-component (j) of the vector.

 

 

i = x-component = 30cos(60)

 

j = y-component = 30sin(60)