a = (3.0 m) - (3.0 m) and b = (3.0 m) + (9.0 m). I was given these two vectors a

Question

a = (3.0 m) - (3.0 m) and b = (3.0 m) + (9.0 m).
I was given these two vectors and asked to find different magnitudes and directions. I got all of it right except for then it asked the direction of b-a and a-b.
Find the direction of b-a.

Find the direction of a-b.

I got the magnitude right at 12 for both. My problem is that you can't divide by zero so now I am not sure what to do. I though it was zero or 180 or -180 but nothing worked so now I am completely bewildered about what to do next. All the other direction came out fine. I understand that it is tan^-1 to fin direction. Please help!

Explanation / Answer

So to find the direction, you need to combine the x and y coordinates of each to get the final x and y components: b-a: x = 0 m, y = 12 m because x is 0, and y is positive, you know that the vector points straight up along the positive y axis, so the angle of direction would be 90 degrees. a-b: x = 0 m, y = -12 m now this vector resultant points straight down along the negative y axis, so the angle of direction would be 270 degrees.

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.