Calculating Angle Between Vectors G & F

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around calculating the angle between two vectors, G and F, defined by points in the Cartesian coordinate system. Participants explore the mathematical principles involved, particularly focusing on the dot product and its application in determining the angle between vectors in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. There is also a practical aspect concerning the implementation of these calculations in Excel.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asks for the equation to find the angle between vectors G and F and inquires about the limitations of this equation.
  • Another participant explains the relationship between the dot product and the angle between two vectors, introducing the equation \(G \cdot F = |G||F|\cos\theta\) and discussing its validity in different mathematical contexts.
  • A participant expresses a need for clarification on how to represent vectors G and F using Cartesian coordinates, specifically how to derive vector G from points A and B.
  • Another participant provides the formula for vector G as \(G = (B_x - A_x, B_y - A_y)\).
  • A participant requests further assistance in applying the dot product equation to the vector representation, indicating a lack of familiarity with the concepts involved.
  • One participant responds with the dot product calculation for vectors G and F, providing the formula and defining the norm of a vector.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the mathematical principles related to the dot product and the calculation of angles between vectors. However, there is no consensus on the best way to implement these concepts in Excel, and some participants express uncertainty about the application of these mathematical ideas.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the participants' varying levels of familiarity with linear algebra concepts, the specific context of using Excel for calculations, and potential misunderstandings regarding vector representation and operations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking to understand vector mathematics, particularly in the context of calculating angles between vectors and applying these concepts in software like Excel.

dudu3060
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I have some question guys

i have four points in the x,y plane in cartesian coordinates.

A (Ax,Ay)
B(Bx,By)

C(Cx,Cy)
D(Dx,Dy)

A and B is vector G
C and D is vector F

I would like to know what is the equation to get the angle between those two vectors (G,F) . and what are the limitations of this equation.

thank you
 
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Are you familiar with the dot product? The angle ##\theta## between two vectors G and F satisfies ##G\cdot F=|G||F|\cos\theta##.

When we're dealing with vectors in ##\mathbb R^2## or ##\mathbb R^3##, this is a theorem. It holds for all pairs of vectors in those spaces. When we're dealing with an arbitrary inner product space over ##\mathbb R##, we can instead take ##\langle G,F\rangle=\|G\|\|F\|\cos\theta## as the definition of "the angle between G and F". (If you don't know what that means, don't worry about it. These terms are explained in courses on linear algebra). This works because the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality ensures that
$$\frac{\langle G,F\rangle}{\|G\|\|F\|}\leq 1$$ for all G and F.

This isn't a textbook-style question, and it doesn't involve physics, so I'm moving it to linear algebra.
 
thank you!but..

it is for excel chart.
i don't know how to make the vectors for the equation when i use cartesian coordinate.
i mean how do i make the vector G from A(Ax,Ay) and B(Bx,By)
can someone write it down for me.

thank you !
 
##G=B-A=(B_x,B_y)-(A_x,A_y)=(B_x-A_x,B_y-A_y)##
 
sorry again.

How do i make the last one to the dot product equation?

the vector G is not a number now but set of coordinates . again sorry but i am a novice and i need full explanation from start to end

thank you, youre a life saver

the dude
 
Is this what you mean?
$$G\cdot F=(B_x-A_x,B_y-A_y)\cdot (D_x-C_x,D_y-C_y) =(B_x-A_x)(D_x-C_x)+(B_y-A_y)(D_y-C_y)$$ The norm ##\|v\|## of a vector ##v=(x,y)## is defined by ##\|v\|=\sqrt{x^2+y^2}##.
 

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