Question

Find the westward component of a resultant vector 85.42 unit, 23 degrees W of N

Answer 1

Since the angle is West of North, therefore to find for the westward component (horizontal component) of the vector, we use the sin function:

sin θ = opposite side / hypotenuse = westward component / resultant vector

So the westward component (x) is:

x = 85.42 sin 23

x = 33.38 unit