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A vector has an initial point at (2, 5) and a terminal point at (5, 7). What are the component form, magnitude, and direction of the vector? Round to the nearest tenth of a unit.

User Kostja
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The component form of the vector is <3, 2>, the magnitude is approximately 3.6 units, and the direction is approximately 33.7° from the positive x-axis.

Step-by-step explanation:

To find the component form of a vector with an initial point at (2, 5) and a terminal point at (5, 7), we subtract the coordinates of the initial point from those of the terminal point:

  • x-component: 5 - 2 = 3
  • y-component: 7 - 5 = 2

The component form of the vector is therefore <3, 2>.

To calculate the magnitude of the vector, we use the Pythagorean theorem:

Magnitude = √(x-component² + y-component²)

= √(3² + 2²)

= √(9 + 4)

= √13

≈ 3.6 (to the nearest tenth of a unit).

To determine the direction of the vector, we find the angle it makes with the positive x-axis. This can be done using the arctangent function:

Direction angle = arctan(y-component/x-component)

= arctan(2/3)

≈ 33.7° (to the nearest tenth of a degree).

User Palla
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