how do i know what quadrant a vector is in?

Question

i am adding vectors and once i do all the junk and get an answer like -82.19, how do i know what quadrant it is in. because i know that q.1, i don't add anything but the other three i do, just how do i know the quadrant?

thanks!

Answer 1

One way to do it is to figure out the x and y components of the vector, and look at their signs (positive or negative). The combination of positive or negative x & y will tell you the quadrant:

(+, +) --> Quadrant I
(-, +) --> Quadrant II
(-, -) --> Quadrant III
(+, -) --> Quadrant IV

Answer 2

I am not sure I completly understand your question, but it might be because I am used to expressing vectors as (25,12).

But try this. Draw two number lines. One horizontal (x line)and one vertical (y line), and they should intersect at 0 (for both lines).

Now plot the vector on the number lines according to the values, and wah lah, you should see what quadrant the vector is in. (q1 is the upper right side, q2 is the lower right side, q3 is the upper left side, and the q4 is the lower left side).

I hope that helps.

Answer 3

If you are adding vectors in component form: r=, you can tell by the signs of the i-j coefficients: x and y.

quad1: x=+,y=+
quad2: x=-,y=+
quad3: x=-,y=-
quad4: x=+,y=-

Answer 4

kush