Find $\left| a-b \right|$: Vectors and Magnitude

In summary, we are finding the values of $a+b, 2a+3b, \left| a \right|, \left| a-b \right|$. We can use vector addition for $a+b$ and scalar multiplication for $2a+3b$. The magnitude of $a$ is found using the Pythagorean theorem, while the magnitude of $a-b$ is found by subtracting the components and taking the absolute value. The values are $13, -1, 13, 10$ respectively. There was some confusion with the signs and identification of $a$ and $b$ in the conversation, but the overall steps were similar.
  • #1
ineedhelpnow
651
0
find $a+b, 2a+3b, \left| a \right|, \left| a-b \right|$

$a=\left\langle 5,-12 \right\rangle$
$b=\left\langle -3,-6 \right\rangle$

ive found all of them except the last one. how to do i find $\left| a-b \right|$
 
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  • #2
nvm i got it. answer's 10.
 
  • #3
Ok this is my first question to answer
In a+b we sum components to components to get the result in tthe image

in 2a + 3b we multiply a by 2 y b by 3 then we aplly the methods of exercise 1

in A module we apply the pitagoprean formula to get the sqrt 36 = 6
View attachment 2978
Any observations please let me know
oh yes Module A is sqrt(5^2 + 12 ^2) = sqrt(169) = 13
 

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  • #4
here's what i did :) sorry for my handwriting. i did the problem real quick so it came out kind of sloppy. it should be right because that's what the back of my book has for answers.
View attachment 2979
 

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  • #5
you got a bit mixed up with the signs on the a+b and with 2a+3b there was a bit of confusion with what's a and b ;) but i think OVERALL we have the same idea in our steps :) thanks for your help though
 
  • #6
ineedhelpnow said:
here's what i did :) sorry for my handwriting. i did the problem real quick so it came out kind of sloppy. it should be right because that's what the back of my book has for answers.
View attachment 2979

Since when is -12 + (-6) equal to -6?
 
  • #7
since i dropped my brain and forgot to pick it up

- - - Updated - - -

actually my mistake there was that i put -(-6) instead of +(-6). if it were the other way i would be right :)
 

FAQ: Find $\left| a-b \right|$: Vectors and Magnitude

What is the purpose of finding the magnitude of a vector?

The magnitude of a vector represents its size or length in a specific direction. It is useful in many scientific and mathematical applications, such as calculating forces, velocities, and distances.

How do you find the magnitude of a vector?

To find the magnitude of a vector, you can use the Pythagorean theorem. Square the x-component and y-component of the vector, add them together, and then take the square root of the sum. This will give you the magnitude of the vector.

What is the difference between scalar and vector magnitudes?

Scalar magnitudes only have a numerical value and no specified direction, whereas vector magnitudes include both a numerical value and a direction. For example, speed is a scalar magnitude, while velocity is a vector magnitude.

Can the magnitude of a vector be negative?

No, the magnitude of a vector is always a positive value. It represents the size or length of the vector, which cannot be negative.

How does the magnitude of a vector relate to its components?

The magnitude of a vector is equal to the square root of the sum of the squares of its x and y components. In other words, the magnitude is the hypotenuse of a right triangle formed by the x and y components of the vector.

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