Question

Look at the vector below. It is at a 58 degree angle and has a magnitude of 35.

Answer 1

• x-component: 18.55;
• y-component: 29.68.

Explanation

Consider the vector as the hypotenuse of a right triangle. Refer to the diagram attached. The x and y components are the two legs.

The x-component is adjacent to the 58° angle.

$x\text{-component} = \text{Hypotenuse} \cdot \cos{\text{Angle} = 35 \times \cos(58\textdegree{}}) = 18.55$.

The y-component is opposite to the 58° angle.

$y\text{-component} = \text{Hypotenuse} \cdot \sin{\text{Angle} = 35 \times \sin(58\textdegree{}}) = 29.68$.