3.

2 “Vector Operations”

One method for diagraming the motion of an object employs

vectors and the use of the x- and y-axes.
• Axes are often designated using fixed directions.
• With this approach, the accuracy of the answer depends on
how carefully the diagram is drawn and measured.

A simpler method uses the Pythagorean theorem and the tangent

function.

• The Pythagorean theorem states that for any right triangle, the
square of the hypotenuse—the side opposite the right angle—
equals the sum of the squares of the other two sides, or legs.

c2  a2  b2
(hypotenuse)2  (leg 1)2  (leg 2)2

• For any right triangle, the tangent of an angle is defined as the

ratio of the opposite and adjacent legs with respect to a
specified acute angle of a right triangle.

opposite leg
tan gent of angle  =
adjacent leg

Important note: We use only Pythagorean theorem and the tangent

function if the 2 vectors are perpendicular.
Example: A hiker hikes 22km east, then 11km north. Determine the
magnitude and direction of the hiker’s displacement.

You can often describe an object’s motion more conveniently by

breaking a single vector into two components, or resolving the
vector.
• The components of a vector are the projections of the vector
along the axes of a coordinate system.
Example:

First, we sketch the x and y components:

Second, we decide which side is sinθ and the other is cosθ. Based
on the angle location, the axis or component that is nearer to the
angle will be cosθ, so the other will be sinθ .

Finally, we solve:
The east component of the vector is (65 N)(cos 30° ) = (65 N)(0.866)
= 56.3 N east
The north component of the vector is (65 N)(sin 30°) = (65 N)(0.500)
= 32.5 N north

Important note: Only the vectors between the y-axis and the x-axis
can be resolved.