Vector Problem - is this even solvable?

The_Chromer

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data



2. Relevant equations
I'm considering cross product and dot product rules, yet I don't know where to begin with this one.


3. The attempt at a solution
I have two pages of scratch paper that is littered with failed attempts to solve the problem.

-There are no values for a or b given.
-Is there even enough information to solve these problems?

wukunlin

this is basically a set of 2X2 simultaneous equation, which you can do by seperating the two components of each vector

SteamKing

Hint: a and b are constants which multiply the vectors A and B, respectively. There is no implied dot or cross product in the problem statement as shown.

The_Chromer

I think I'm on the right track... thanks guys. Can you confirm if this is heading in the correct direction?

a<81,-73>+b<-79,49>+<60,85>=<0,0>

So,

81a-79b+60=0
-73a+49b+85=0

?

wukunlin

yup :)

The_Chromer

These numbers are ugly... mind sticking around until I work it out? :)

The_Chromer

Still haven't figured it out :/

wukunlin

do you have to solve it by hand? or are you allowed to use calculators/computers?

The_Chromer

Even if I solve it, I still think there's something going wrong... I'll use a computer. I just tried doing it with matrices, lol.

wukunlin

you can always substitute your answers back into the question and see if the identity holds, faster and simpler than rechecking all your steps

The_Chromer

You're right - I have new values for a and b

a=5.520297
b=6.489422

Pretty sure I got it! Thank you for your help!

wukunlin

glad to help :)

The_Chromer

It was correct - my online homework thing accepted it, lol. The algebra was just a little ambiguous.