Magnitude and angle counterclockwise from the + x direction

AI Thread Summary
To express the vector -25.3i - 1.2j in terms of magnitude and angle counterclockwise from the +x direction, the arctangent function is used to find the angle. The initial calculation of arctan(-1.2/25.3) yields 2.72 degrees, but adjustments are necessary due to the signs of the vector components. Since both x and y components are negative, 180 degrees must be added, resulting in an angle of 182.72 degrees. This adjustment aligns with the properties of the tangent function and confirms the correct angle when checked against the y/x ratio. The final answer is thus expressed as a magnitude and an angle of 182.72 degrees.
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Homework Statement


Express your answer in part (a) in terms of magnitude and angle counterclockwise from the + x direction.
Vector = -25.3i-1.2j


Homework Equations


arctan(ady/adx)


The Attempt at a Solution


Arctan(-1.2/25.3)=2.72
This is wrong... but I have no idea how to fix it.
 
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Since tan is a trig function that repeats every 90deg, some consideration must be put into the signs of x and y. Since x and y are both negative, 180deg must be added to the value calculated to obtain the correct value. Likewise, if y is negative and x is positive, 270deg must be added. If x is negative and y is positive, 90deg must be added. This is shown when looking at a plot of the tan function. To confirm this answer (182.72), plug it into tan and see if it gives you your y/x ratio.
 


Thank you very much that worked.
 
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