Find the component of the vector v satisfying the conditions: ||v||=4, theta=45degrees

Answer 1

Hey Jenna,

In terms of formulas, the x component and y component of a vector can be found as follows:

x = ||v|| cos(theta)

y = ||v|| sin(theta)

To get a visual for why this is the case, try drawing a right triangle where your vector, v, is the hypotenuse. The x component is the leg that is oriented horizontally, and the y component is the leg oriented vertically. If you fill in the 45 degree angle, then just think back to good old SOH-CAH-TOA.

Hope that helps!