Find Norm of Vector Subtraction w/o Using Formula

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The discussion focuses on calculating the norm of the vector subtraction \(\vec{v} - \vec{w}\) without using the cosine law formula. The vectors provided are \(\vec{v} = (1, 6, 2)\) and \(\vec{w} = (3, 1, 7)\). The subtraction of these vectors results in the components \((-2, 5, -5)\). The norm is then calculated using the formula \(\sqrt{(-2)^2 + 5^2 + (-5)^2}\), leading to a definitive magnitude of \(\sqrt{(4 + 25 + 25)} = \sqrt{54}\).

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cscott
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How can I find the norm of (\vec{v} - \vec{w}) without using ||\vec{v} - \vec{w}||^2 = ||\vec{v}||^2 + ||\vec{w}||^2 - 2 ||\vec{v}|| \cdot ||\vec{w}|| \cos \theta?
 
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cscott said:
How can I find the norm of (\vec{v} - \vec{w}) without using ||\vec{v} - \vec{w}||^2 = ||\vec{v}||^2 + ||\vec{w}||^2 - 2 ||\vec{v}|| \cdot ||\vec{w}|| \cos \theta?

Do you know the components of these vectors ?
Do you have a base in which you can write them down ?

Do not say NO, because you must have this:wink:
marlon
 
I know that the terminal point of the two vectors are v = (1, 6, 2) and w = (3, 1, 7)
 
cscott said:
I know that the terminal point of the two vectors are v = (1, 6, 2) and w = (3, 1, 7)

Well then, in components the subtraction is just (a,b,c) - (a',b',c') = (a-a', b-b', c-c') and the magnitude of a vector with components a, b and c is \sqrt {a^2 + b^2 + c^2}

So you have everything to calculate the norm of a vector with given components.

enjoy

marlon
 
Thanks a lot!
 

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