Estimating Angles of a Box Diagonal

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves estimating the angles that a diagonal of a box with dimensions 10cm x 15cm x 25cm makes with the edges of the box. The context is rooted in vector mathematics and trigonometry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate the angle between the diagonal vector and one edge of the box using the cosine formula. Some participants question the accuracy of the calculations, particularly regarding the lengths of the vectors involved and the denominator used in the cosine formula.

Discussion Status

There is ongoing clarification regarding the calculations, with some participants providing feedback on the original poster's approach. A correction has been made, and one participant confirms that the revised calculation appears correct.

Contextual Notes

Participants are discussing the proper application of vector lengths and the cosine formula, indicating a need for precision in mathematical representation. There is an emphasis on ensuring that the calculations align with the definitions and properties of vectors.

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Homework Statement



Estimate to the nearest degree, the angles that a diagonal of a box with dimensions 10cm x 15cm x 25cm makes with the edges of the box.

Homework Equations



cos\theta =\frac{u\cdot v}{\left \| u \right \|\left \| v \right \|}

The Attempt at a Solution



For the angle between the diagonal vector and the edge with the 10cm side:

u=(10,0,0)
v=(10,15,25)

cos\theta =\frac{(10,0,0)\cdot (10,15,25)}{\sqrt100\sqrt{100+225+625}}
cos\theta =\frac{100}{10\sqrt{950}}

cos\theta =\frac{10}{\sqrt{950}}

Theta = ~71 degrees?

thanks, any help appreciated!
 
Last edited:
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Your denominator should be the product of the lengths of the two vectors. Vector u has length 10, right? Where's that? Vector v has length sqrt(950), why did you edit that to 100sqrt(850)?
 
Vargo said:
Your denominator should be the product of the lengths of the two vectors. Vector u has length 10, right? Where's that? Vector v has length sqrt(950), why did you edit that to 100sqrt(850)?

Oh yeah, I had it right the first time. But if I do that then I can't carry out the next step.. how would you proceed in this question?
 
I edited it now, does it look right?
 
Yeah, that looks right.
 

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