Vector Algebra VI


Vector Subtraction
Topics: Vector algebra, vector subtraction. Pre-requisite skills: None. Approximate completion time: 30 minutes.
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Applet by B. Surendranath Reddy
For this assignment you will find it convenient to use graph paper. Fortunately, we have created graph paper for you already. Simply select this link and print as many sheets as necessary. (Adobe Acrobat required) 1. Using the applet, draw two vectors. For the first vector, drag the mouse to the right eight tics and upwards 5 tics. (We would say that this vector has a horizontal component of +8 and a vertical component of -5.) For the second vector, drag the mouse to the left 7 tics and upwards 10 tics. (a) How would we describe the components of this second vector? Be careful with the sign (+/-). Choose "Subtraction" in the applet text field. To see the resultant vector, place the head of one vector on the head of the other vector. (b) What are the horizontal and vertical components of this resultant vector? What is the length of the resultant vector, and its direction? (These are shown at the top of the applet.) 2. Now we are going to test the statement: "A - B = A + (-B)." Clear the screen and draw the same vectors as you did before except draw the second vector in the opposite direction than originally. Choose "Addition" in the applet text field and add the two vectors by placing the head of one onto the tail of the other. (a) Do you get the same resultant vector as you did in Question 1(b)?
Helpful Resources Vector Addition and Subtraction by Wesley Dean. Vectors and Motion in Two Dimensions by Tom Henderson. Vector Illuminations by Ron Greene. Sum of Vectors by Phillip Dukes. (Assignment) Vector Math Worksheet by Gary Richert (Assignment) Vectors by Angel Franco Garcia. (in Spanish) Zona Land's Vectors by Ed Zobel.
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