Constructing a vector from a point

In summary, the conversation discusses finding a vector ##\vec{A}## from the origin to a point on the line between two given points, ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2##, at a certain distance from ##\vec{r}_1## based on a variable ##x##. The solution is given as ##\vec{A} = (1 - x) \vec{r}_1 + x \vec{r}_2##, and the confusion is cleared up by realizing that when ##x=1##, the distance is ##r## and the vector is ##\vec{r}_2##.
  • #1
Mr Davis 97
1,462
44
So I have solved the following problem: Consider two points located at ##\vec{r}_1## and ##\vec{r}_2##, separated by distance ##r = |\vec{r}_1 - \vec{r}_2|##. Find a vector ##\vec{A}## from the origin to a point on the line between ##\vec{r}_1## and at ##\vec{r}_2## at a distance ##xr## from the point at ##\vec{r}_1## where ##x## is some number.

So I have solved this problem. The answer is ##\vec{A} = (1 - x) \vec{r}_1 + x \vec{r}_2##. I did this by allowing ##\vec{r}## to vary with ##x##, and then ##\vec{A}## was just the vector sum of ##\vec{r}_1## and ##x \vec{r}##. However, I am not really understanding the solution. When we substitute 0 for x, we find that we get ##\vec{A} = \vec{r}_1##, as expected. However, when we substitute r for x, we don't get ##\vec{r}_2##. What is going on here?
 
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  • #2
##A = r_2## when ##x = 1##. The question says "at a distance ##xr## from ##r_1##", so when ##x=1## you are distance r from ##r_1## which is ##r_2##.
 
  • #3
pwsnafu said:
##A = r_2## when ##x = 1##. The question says "at a distance ##xr## from ##r_1##", so when ##x=1## you are distance r from ##r_1## which is ##r_2##.
Oh wow, that is pretty obvious now. Thanks!
 

Related to Constructing a vector from a point

1. What is a vector?

A vector is a mathematical object that has both magnitude (size) and direction. It is represented by an arrow in a coordinate system and is commonly used in physics and engineering to describe physical quantities such as velocity, force, and displacement.

2. How do you construct a vector from a point?

A vector can be constructed from a point by starting at the origin (0,0) and drawing an arrow to the given point, which represents the magnitude and direction of the vector. The arrow can also be represented by a coordinate pair (x, y) where x is the horizontal component and y is the vertical component.

3. What is the difference between a vector and a point?

A point is a single location in space, while a vector has both magnitude and direction. A point can be used to represent a location, whereas a vector can represent a physical quantity or movement from one point to another.

4. How is a vector represented mathematically?

A vector is represented mathematically by a coordinate pair (x, y) or by its magnitude and direction. It can also be represented as a column or row matrix, with each element representing the magnitude in a specific direction. In addition, a vector can be represented using mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, and scalar multiplication.

5. What are some real-life examples of vectors?

Vectors are used in many real-life situations, such as describing the direction and magnitude of wind, the force exerted by a moving object, or the displacement of an object from one point to another. They are also used in navigation, engineering, and computer graphics.

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