231.12.3.19 angle between vectors

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle between two vectors, \( v = -7i - j \) and \( w = -i - 7j \). Participants explore the use of the dot product for this calculation and question the relevance of the cross product in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the angle using the dot product and expresses uncertainty about the correctness of the answer and the applicability of the cross product.
  • Another participant confirms the calculation but questions the use of zeros in the vector notation, suggesting that the cross product is not relevant for 2-dimensional vectors.
  • A third participant comments on the vector notation, indicating a preference for consistency with the problem's notation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the use of the cross product in this scenario, and participants express differing views on notation and the dimensionality of the vectors involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully resolve the implications of using the dot product versus the cross product, nor do they clarify the significance of the zeros in the vector notation.

karush
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$\tiny{231.12.3.19}$
$\textsf{Given $v=-7i-j$ and $w=-i-7j$}\\$
$\textsf{find the angle between v and w}\\$
$\displaystyle
\frac{\left(-7, -1, 0\right)\cdot\left(-1, -7, 0\right)}
{\sqrt{50}\cdot \sqrt{50}}
=\frac{14}{50}\approx 0.28$
$\arccos(0.28)\approx 73.74^o$
$\textit{not sure if this is the answer but is cross product also solved with a matrix?}$
 
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Your answer looks good to me.

What are the zeros for? Cross-product is 3-d. What you have here appears to be 2-d and you've used the dot product.
 
I see a lot of vector notation with z=0
thot i would join the club.;)
 
It is best to use the same notation as the problem. I would have written $\frac{(-7i- j)\cdot (-i- 7j)}{\sqrt{50}\sqrt{50}}$
 

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