Question

What is the magnitude of the position vector whose terminal point is (-2, 4)?

Answer 1

The magnitude of the position is
`|x|=√(20)`

Explanation:

Given : Vector whose terminal point is (-2, 4).

To find : What is the magnitude of the position vector?

Solution :

We have given, terminal point (-2,4)

The magnitude of the point x(a,b) is given by,

`|x|=√(a^2+b^2)`

Let point x=(-2,4)

`|x|=√((-2)^2+(4)^2)`

`|x|=√(4+16)`

`|x|=√(20)`

Therefore, The magnitude of the position is
`|x|=√(20)`

Answer 2

2√5

Explanation:

The Pythagorean theorem tells you how to find the distance from the origin.

d = √((-2)² +4²) = √20 = 2√5

The vector's magnitude is 2√5 ≈ 4.47214.