Help on another algebra problem

[byronsakic]

The Cosine of the angle between a and b is 4/21. Find p if a = 6i + 3j -2k and b = -2i + pj - 4k.

i started off with the general equation a . b = |a| |b| cosX where cosX is 4/21
since i, j, k all mean 1. i would get two vectors
a = (6,3,-2) and b = (-2, p, -4)

then i would take the magnitude of both a and b.

then i would take the dot product of a and b.

then i would sub them into the equation.

and then i ended up solving using the quadratic equation, but when i solved it, i ended up getting two answers and if i sub it back into the dot products and stuff it wouldn't equal.. LS = RS...

i don't kno if this is how i shouold have done it ?
thnx

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes, that is how you should do it.

I don't know what you mean by "when i solved it, i ended up getting two answers and if i sub it back into the dot products and stuff it wouldn't equal.. LS = RS...". Of course, when you square an equation you may introduce a new solution that doesn't satisfy the original equation but one of your two solutions should.

 

[byronsakic]

alright thanks