- #1
butterfli
- 10
- 0
Homework Statement
*v and u are vectors where ||u|| is the magnitude of u and ||v|| is the magnitude of v
Prove that ||u + v|| = ||u|| + ||v|| if and only if u and v have the same direction.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
At first, I tried using what it means for two vectors to have the same direction: u = v/||v||
u + v = v/||v|| + v (added v to both sides)
||u + v|| = ||(v/||v||) + v|| (took the magnitude of both sides)
From here, if I substitute (v/||v||) with u, I would just have ||u + v|| equal to itself.
I also tried looking up Properties of Dot Product but couldn't find a place to apply them. I'm kinda stuck on what else I can do so if anyone can provide tips or pointers in the right direction, I'd be grateful.