Calculating Orthogonal Projection: Proving AD and Formula Progress | \pi\rangle

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the calculation of orthogonal projection, specifically focusing on proving the formula for segment AD in relation to vectors and angles. Participants explore the mathematical relationships involved, including the dot product and normalization of vectors, while seeking clarity on notation and derivations.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty in proving the formula for AD and seeks assistance.
  • Another participant questions the notation used for cosine in relation to the lengths of sides, prompting a clarification on the angle involved.
  • There is a discussion about the expression for the dot product, with participants agreeing on its formulation as \( u \cdot v = |u||v|\cos\theta \).
  • A participant suggests using the dot product to simplify the right-hand side of an equation to see if it matches the left-hand side.
  • One participant expresses a desire to understand the derivation of the formula rather than memorizing it for exams.
  • Another participant provides a method for normalizing a vector and relates it to the calculation of AD, while also encouraging the use of the dot product.
  • There is a discussion about the normalization process and its implications for the formula, with one participant seeking further clarification on the steps involved.
  • A later reply indicates that the approach taken is basically correct, with a suggestion to adjust the multiplication method used in the calculations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the formulation of the dot product and the approach to deriving the formula for AD, but there are differing opinions on the notation and specific steps in the calculations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best method for proving the formula and the clarity of the notation used.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the normalization process and its derivation, indicating a need for further exploration of the underlying concepts. There are also unresolved questions about the clarity of notation and the specific angles involved in the calculations.

Petrus
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Hello MHB,
I have hard to prove that AD, I did put on pic the formula for AD and my progress is at bottom.
35l7rzd.png


Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
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Re: orthogonal projection

What is $\vec{u} \cdot \vec{v}$? I object to the notation $\cos(AC)$. You take the cosine of an angle, not the length of a side. Of which angle are you taking the cosine?
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Ackbach said:
What is $\vec{u} \cdot \vec{v}$? I object to the notation $\cos(AC)$. You take the cosine of an angle, not the length of a side. Of which angle are you taking the cosine?
ops i meant $$\cos\theta*AC$$ Is my post unclear what I ask for?

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Petrus said:
ops i meant $$\cos\theta*AC$$ Is my post unclear what I ask for?

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$

No, the post is not unclear. I agree that what you're trying to prove is actually true. I was asking a Socratic question. You should write $AC \, \cos(\theta)$, so that's it's crystal clear what is inside the argument of the cosine, and what is not.

So, let me repeat the question: can you write out what $\vec{u} \cdot \vec{v}$ is?
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Ackbach said:
No, the post is not unclear. I agree that what you're trying to prove is actually true. I was asking a Socratic question. You should write $AC \, \cos(\theta)$, so that's it's crystal clear what is inside the argument of the cosine, and what is not.

So, let me repeat the question: can you write out what $\vec{u} \cdot \vec{v}$ is?
$$u*v=|u||v|\cos\theta$$

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Petrus said:
$$u*v=|u||v|\cos\theta$$

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$

Right. So why don't you use that to simplify the RHS, and see if you get the LHS? Then what could you do?
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Ackbach said:
Right. So why don't you use that to simplify the RHS, and see if you get the LHS? Then what could you do?
Hmm... One quest, could I get to that formula without knowing RHS ( I was more planing to learn how to get to that formula insted of 'memorize' it in exam)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Ah, I see. Well, here's how I would approach it. Start with a vector in the correct direction, $\vec{u}$. Normalize it by dividing by its length: $\vec{u}/|u|$. Now I have a unit vector (that is, a vector of length $1$), in the direction that I want. The goal is to compute $AD$, and multiply my unit vector by this length $AD$. Now, we know that
$$AD=AC \, \cos( \theta).$$
You'd like to write the RHS using the dot product. So, add in whatever is missing. Can you see how to finish?
 
Re: orthogonal projection

Ackbach said:
Ah, I see. Well, here's how I would approach it. Start with a vector in the correct direction, $\vec{u}$. Normalize it by dividing by its length: $\vec{u}/|u|$. Now I have a unit vector (that is, a vector of length $1$), in the direction that I want. The goal is to compute $AD$, and multiply my unit vector by this length $AD$. Now, we know that
$$AD=AC \, \cos( \theta).$$
You'd like to write the RHS using the dot product. So, add in whatever is missing. Can you see how to finish?
those normalize formula I don't understand how we get it but I understand what it is. I understand exemple $$1=\gamma u$$ then $$\frac{1}{u}= \gamma$$ that is so far I understand about but how do they do after?

so I got:
$$\frac{|v|cos\theta}{|u|}*u$$ then multiplicate both side with |u| and use dot product to write the top as u*v?
is this correct?

Regards
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 
  • #10
Re: orthogonal projection

Petrus said:
those normalize formula I don't understand how we get it but I understand what it is. I understand exemple $$1=\gamma u$$ then $$\frac{1}{u}= \gamma$$ that is so far I understand about but how do they do after?

so I got:
$$\frac{|v|cos\theta}{|u|}*u$$ then multiplicate both side with |u| and use dot product to write the top as u*v?
is this correct?

Regards
$$|\pi\rangle$$

Basically correct, although I wouldn't multiply both sides by $|u|$, but I would multiply the top and bottom by $|u|$. Then you're done.
 
  • #11
Re: orthogonal projection

Ackbach said:
Basically correct, although I wouldn't multiply both sides by $|u|$, but I would multiply the top and bottom by $|u|$. Then you're done.
Thanks for the help and taking your time! Now I see how you got that formula :) Heh i meant top and bottom (Cool)

Regards,
$$|\pi\rangle$$
 

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