Finding the unit vector

In summary, to find the components of a vector u such that D_u F = 0, we first need to find the directional vector by taking the dot product of the gradient of F and a unit vector w. This results in the equation aF_x + bF_y + cF_z + dF_u + eF_v = 0, where <a,b,c,d,e> represents the components of the unit vector w. To solve for the components of u, we need to find the specific values for a, b, c, d, and e that satisfy this equation.
  • #1
Calpalned
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Homework Statement


Suppose ##F(x, y, z, u, v) = xy^2 + yz^2 + zu^2 + uv^2 + vx^2 ## Standing at the point ##(1, 1, 1, 1, 1) ## imagine moving in a direction ##\vec w ## where ##\vec w ## is a unit vector. Find the components of a vector ##\vec u ## such that ## D_\vec u F = 0 ##
Remember ##\vec w ## needs to be unit vector.

Homework Equations


Directional vector = ##\nabla F \cdotp \vec w ##

The Attempt at a Solution



Directional vector = ## <F_x, F_y, F_z, F_u, F_v> \cdotp \vec w = 0 ##
So ##\nabla F ## and ## \vec w ## are perpendicular.
If ## \vec w = <a, b,c, d, e> ## then the components of ## \vec w ## must satisfy ##aF_x + bF_y + cF_z + dF_u + eF_v = 0 ##
To sum it up ## \vec w = <a, b,c, d, e> \frac {1}{|w|} = ## unit vector

I only got 4/10 points on this question, so I made a mistake somewhere...
 
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  • #2
Is that all of the work you did? You have everything in implicit form...
Your vector <a,b,c,d,e> could be any five numbers at this point.

You need to go more specific
 

1. What is a unit vector?

A unit vector is a vector with a magnitude of 1 and is used to represent direction in vector operations. It is typically denoted by adding a hat (^) symbol on top of the vector symbol.

2. How do you find the unit vector of a given vector?

To find the unit vector of a given vector, you divide the vector by its magnitude. This will result in a vector with the same direction but a magnitude of 1.

3. Why is finding the unit vector important?

Finding the unit vector is important because it allows us to represent direction in vector operations without having to consider the magnitude of the vector. It also simplifies calculations and makes it easier to compare vectors.

4. Can a vector have more than one unit vector?

No, a vector can only have one unit vector. This is because the unit vector is defined as having a magnitude of 1 and any other vector with a different magnitude would not be considered a unit vector.

5. Is the unit vector always in the same direction as the original vector?

Yes, the unit vector will always be in the same direction as the original vector. This is because we are only changing the magnitude of the vector, not its direction, when finding the unit vector.

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