[SOLVED] What are projections for? When do we need to use them?

[jwj11]

I understand the concept of projections, and I can do problems that require it pretty easily. But I don't get what the applications of projections are? Can anyone tell me some.

[EnumaElish]

Do you mean in linear algebra? Or some other area?

[jwj11]

Yes, well for linear algebra i think projections are the same concept as dot products.... but I would like to know some real world applications of this concept. What is it used for?? Any specific examples??

[D H]

Any specific examples??
The map you carry in you car and the floor plan of your house, just to name a couple down-to-earth examples.

[jwj11]

I don't get it =(

[HallsofIvy]

If you are pushing a box up an inclined plane the "net force" you are pushing against is the projection of the weight vector (mg pointing straight down) on the plane.

[EnumaElish]

Your shadow. Or, the shape of the area blocked from the light source when light is intercepted by a 3-D object with particular geometric characteristics.

[Werg22]

This might be an out-there idea, but have you considered the entire field of trigonometry?