Transcript text: Find the $x$-component of this vector:
Solution
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify the given values
The magnitude of the vector \( |V| \) is 47.3 m, and the angle \( \theta \) with the horizontal axis is 39.4°.
Step 2: Use the cosine function to find the x-component
The x-component of the vector \( V_x \) can be found using the cosine function:
\[ V_x = |V| \cos(\theta) \]
Step 3: Calculate the x-component
Substitute the given values into the equation:
\[ V_x = 47.3 \cos(39.4°) \]
Step 4: Perform the calculation
Using a calculator to find the cosine of 39.4° and then multiplying by 47.3:
\[ \cos(39.4°) \approx 0.774 \]
\[ V_x = 47.3 \times 0.774 \approx 36.6 \, \text{m} \]