Cosine of a vector.

  • #1
Tiven white
58
0

Homework Statement


The cosine of a vector is equal to the opposite over its magnitude.

Homework Equations



The attempt at a solution[/b] the cosine is the ratio of the adjacent to the hypothenuse this is why i say it "came' is incorrect.
 

Answers and Replies

  • #2
haruspex
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Insights Author
Gold Member
2022 Award
39,538
8,806
What exactly was the original question?
 
  • #3
Tiven white
58
0
What exactly was the original question?
That is the ?,its a true or false
 
  • #4
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
9,242
1,073
That is the ?,its a true or false
What statement is true or false?

Oh, I see. It's this statement that's being questioned:
The cosine of a vector is equal to the opposite over its magnitude.

Yes, it's an incorrect statement, as you pointed out.
 
Last edited:
  • #5
Tiven white
58
0
What statement is true or false?


If the cosine of a vector is its y component over its magnitude?
 
  • #6
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
9,242
1,073
It's not the vector which has a cosine. It's only angles which have cosines.
 
  • #7
HallsofIvy
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
43,021
973

Homework Statement


The cosine of a vector is equal to the opposite over its magnitude.
If this really is the statement, I would not say it was either "true" or "false". I would just say it is non-sense! The function "cosine" is not [g]defined[/b] for vectors, only for angles or numbers. Further, saying "the opposite" is non-sense. "Opposite" is an adjective not a noun and cannot take the article "the".

Homework Equations



The attempt at a solution
the cosine is the ratio of the adjacent to the hypothenuse this is why i say it "came' is incorrect.
 
  • #8
vela
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Education Advisor
15,812
2,461
Just out of curiosity, what is
this is why i say it "came' is incorrect.
supposed to mean?
 
  • #9
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
9,242
1,073
Just out of curiosity, what is
[ C A M ]
supposed to mean?

cosine = adjacent ÷ magnitude ?
 
  • #10
vela
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Education Advisor
15,812
2,461
Wouldn't that be correct?
 
  • #11
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
9,242
1,073
Wouldn't that be correct?
Clearly, OP is a little confused.
 
  • #12
Tiven white
58
0
cosine

Clearly, OP is a little confused.


The question was asking whether the statement ' cosine means the y component of a vector over its magnitude'.
Is this true or false?
 
  • #13
NascentOxygen
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
9,242
1,073
The question was asking whether the statement ' cosine means the y component of a vector over its magnitude'.
Is this true or false?
Definitely false.
 

Suggested for: Cosine of a vector.

Replies
9
Views
564
Replies
30
Views
314
Replies
2
Views
279
  • Last Post
Replies
3
Views
455
Replies
26
Views
344
  • Last Post
Replies
7
Views
568
Replies
26
Views
436
Replies
1
Views
281
Replies
9
Views
235
  • Last Post
Replies
27
Views
274
Top