Are |m-n| and |n|-|m| the same?

  • Context: High School 
  • Thread starter Thread starter mathzing
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Magnitude Vectors
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The expressions |m-n| and |n|-|m| are not equivalent when considering vector notation. Specifically, the absolute value of the difference between two vectors |m-n| does not equal the difference of their magnitudes |n|-|m|. This distinction is crucial in vector mathematics, particularly when analyzing cases such as m=n and m=-n, which demonstrate that the two expressions yield different results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of vector notation and operations
  • Familiarity with absolute value concepts in mathematics
  • Basic knowledge of vector equality and negation
  • Experience with mathematical proofs and counterexamples
NEXT STEPS
  • Study vector operations and properties in linear algebra
  • Learn about absolute value functions and their implications in vector spaces
  • Explore mathematical proofs involving vector equality and negation
  • Investigate the geometric interpretation of vectors and their magnitudes
USEFUL FOR

Students studying mathematics, particularly those focusing on linear algebra, as well as educators and anyone seeking to clarify vector operations and properties.

mathzing
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
hello, can someone please tell me if this is correct? no it is not for my homework.

place vector symbols above all letters.

|m-n| = |n|-|m|

place vector symbols about the letters to specify they are vectors

so are they the same?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
If I understand the question, then no they are not the same. Can you tell me why?
 
For example, look at m=n and m=-n.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 48 ·
2
Replies
48
Views
8K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
26
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K