Vectors

A) 3.5 cm North
B) 4.2 cm West

Algebraically subtract B from A(B-A)
Whaaaa? Please help

B from A is A-B (not B-A)

A-B=3.5N-4.2W

Hi Bob ... the first post is actually the question ..

subtract B from A(B-A)

well if you want to subtract the vector B from "A(B_A)" you have to do some defining what that second term is. To subtract B from it, it has to be a vector, so do you mean the cross product of A and (B-A)? Otherwise, it makes no sense.

First A(B-A) then subtract B again from that answer.

I see A as (0,3.5) and B as (-4.2,0)

I hope that's the right way algebraically.

Sure! To algebraically subtract vector B from vector A (B - A), you need to subtract the corresponding components of vector B from vector A.

In this case, vector A is 3.5 cm North, and vector B is 4.2 cm West. Since North and West are perpendicular directions, we can treat them as separate components.

Let's break down the components of each vector:

Vector A:
- North component: 3.5 cm
- West component: 0 cm

Vector B:
- North component: 0 cm
- West component: 4.2 cm

Now, to algebraically subtract B from A, you subtract the respective components:

(B - A) = (0 - 3.5) cm North + (4.2 - 0) cm West

Simplifying that, you get:

(B - A) = -3.5 cm North + 4.2 cm West

So, the result of algebraically subtracting vector B from vector A is -3.5 cm North + 4.2 cm West.