Given Vector

1. Apr 1, 2005

kidia

help this:
If a is a given vector and a.b=a.c can we conclude that a=b?

2. Apr 1, 2005

arildno

I am quite certain you have written it down wrongly..

3. Apr 1, 2005

dextercioby

$$\vec{a}\cdot\vec{b}=\vec{a}\cdot\vec{c}\Rightarrow \vec{b} \ ? \ \vec{c}$$

Daniel.

4. Apr 1, 2005

Data

in which case, here's a hint: Let $a = (1, 1)$. Can you think of two different vectors that when dotted with $a$ give you $1$?

5. Apr 1, 2005

kidia

I have written it correct, If a is a given vector and a.b=a.c can we conclude that a=b?

6. Apr 1, 2005

chroot

Staff Emeritus
kidia,

In that case, it's a "trick question." You have no idea what c is, so you cannot conclude anything.

- Warren

7. Apr 1, 2005

Data

...

well, for any $a, b$ you have $a \cdot b = a \cdot b$, and it's certainly possible to have $a \neq b$, so uhh... no.

8. Apr 1, 2005

dextercioby

BTW,the solution to the problem i proposed is

$$\vec{b}=\vec{c}+\vec{a}\times\vec{k}$$,where $\vec{k}$ is arbitrary...

Daniel.

9. Apr 1, 2005

matt grime

in 3 dimensions (i hate smilies but thought there shuold be some tongue in cheek indicator)

Last edited: Apr 1, 2005
10. Apr 1, 2005

kidia

May be the answer is no we cannot conclude that a=b but I am not sure

11. Apr 1, 2005

dextercioby

On what basis could you draw a correct conclusion,given the problem in its form...?

Daniel.

12. Apr 4, 2005