- #1
thomas49th
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Homework Statement
The points A and B have position vectors a = (2,2,1) and b (1,1,-4) respectively relative to an origin O. (im using column notation for shorthand)
Prove that OA is perpendicular to AB
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
To be perpendicular the angle between the lines is 90
using the dot product rule:
vectors a and b should multiply to give cos 90 (which is 0)
AB = (3,3,-3)-(2,2,1) = (1,1,-4)
so:
(2,2,1).(1,1,-4) = (2,2,-4)
NOW WHAT I DONT UNDERSTAND IS why you add the components i,j,k to get 0. I can see 2 + 2 -4 =0, but why do you do this? Why can you do this
Thanks :)