Angle of Vectors a and b with Orthogonal Unit p and q

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding the angle between two vectors, a and b, defined in terms of orthogonal unit vectors p and q. The original poster presents a formula for calculating the angle using the dot product and expresses confusion regarding the elimination of certain terms during their calculations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of orthogonality and its implications for the dot product. Some suggest finding the vector sum of the two vectors as a potential approach to determine the angle. Questions about the nature of the dot product and its relation to orthogonal vectors are raised.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations of orthogonality and its mathematical implications. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the dot product and vector sums, but there is no explicit consensus on the understanding of the concepts involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definition of orthogonality and its effects on the dot product, indicating a need for clarity on these foundational concepts. There is also a mention of the original poster's confusion regarding specific calculations.

lorik
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Ok
Heres the text :Find the angle of vectors a=3p+2q and b=p+5q and if p and q are orthogonal unit ? ... ?
ok the formula is pretty simple cos=a*b/!a! * !b! =
But once i progress and I get 3p square + 15pq + 2qp +10q square ,now I see here that 15pq and 2qp are eliminated is just BEEEYOOOND MEEE I MEAN hows that possible ,thanks in advance ?
 
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p and q are orthogonal, which means (definition) that their dot product is 0.
 
mathman said:
p and q are orthogonal, which means (definition) that their dot product is 0.

More specific please I am trying to understand for future references ,thnx
 
Have you tried finding the vector sum of your two vectors? As the vector sum can be plugged into your formula, along with the two original vectors to find your angle, in which case you will need to do the inverse cos function. It.

theta=cos^-1((|A|*|B|)/AB))

Where * is dotted on.

Good luck.
 
lorik said:
More specific please I am trying to understand for future references ,thnx

Let a and b be arbitrary vectors (any dimension). The definition of orthogonal is the dot product is 0. Question for you - do you know what a dot product is?
 
mathman said:
Let a and b be arbitrary vectors (any dimension). The definition of orthogonal is the dot product is 0. Question for you - do you know what a dot product is?

dot product !a! * !b! *cos theta

But how in general can orthogonal plane have a dot product of 0 ?
 
lorik said:
dot product !a! * !b! *cos theta

But how in general can orthogonal plane have a dot product of 0 ?

If they are orthogonal, what is the angle between the vectors?
 
rock.freak667 said:
If they are orthogonal, what is the angle between the vectors?

like Zero ,lol ?
 
lorik said:
like Zero ,lol ?
Like, no.
Do you know what orthogonal means?

lorik said:
But how in general can orthogonal plane have a dot product of 0 ?
What you're asking here makes no sense.
 

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