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Ch 03: Vectors and Coordinate Systems
Chapter 3, Problem 3

Let A = 4i - 2j, B = -3i + 5j, and D = A - B. (b) Draw a coordinate system and on it show vectors A, B, and D

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Identify the components of vectors A and B. Vector A has components (4, -2) and vector B has components (-3, 5).
To find vector D, subtract vector B from vector A. Use the formula for vector subtraction: D = A - B = (Ax - Bx)i + (Ay - By)j.
Calculate the x-component of vector D: Dx = Ax - Bx = 4 - (-3).
Calculate the y-component of vector D: Dy = Ay - By = -2 - 5.
Draw a coordinate system and plot vectors A, B, and D using their respective components. Start each vector at the origin or the appropriate tail position if showing vector addition or subtraction.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Vector Representation

Vectors are quantities that have both magnitude and direction, represented in a coordinate system by arrows. In this context, vectors A and B are expressed in terms of their components along the x-axis (i) and y-axis (j). Understanding how to plot these vectors involves recognizing their starting point, direction, and length, which correspond to their respective component values.
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Vector Subtraction

Vector subtraction involves finding the difference between two vectors, which geometrically corresponds to placing the tail of the second vector at the head of the first and drawing a new vector from the tail of the first to the head of the second. In this case, vector D is calculated as D = A - B, which requires subtracting the corresponding components of vectors A and B to find the resultant vector.
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Coordinate System

A coordinate system provides a framework for locating points in space using numerical coordinates. In two dimensions, the Cartesian coordinate system is commonly used, where the horizontal axis represents the x-coordinate and the vertical axis represents the y-coordinate. This system is essential for accurately plotting vectors A, B, and D, allowing for visual representation and analysis of their relationships.
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