How Can I Use GeoGebra to Calculate Vector Lengths and Projections?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around using GeoGebra to calculate vector lengths and projections, specifically for the vectors $v=i+j+2k=(1,1,2)$ and $u=-i-k=(-1,0,-1)$. Participants explore calculations related to vector magnitudes, angles between vectors, and projections, while seeking assistance with GeoGebra commands.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant calculates the lengths of vectors $v$ and $u$, finding $|v|=\sqrt{6}$ and $|u|=\sqrt{2}$, and computes the dot product $v \cdot u = -3$ and the cross product $u \times v = (1,1,-1)$.
  • Another participant questions the multiple angles derived from the sine function, suggesting that the angle between two vectors should be the unique shortest angle between them, typically between $0$ and $\pi$ radians, and proposes using the dot product for clarity.
  • Participants confirm the projection of $u$ on $v$ as $(-\frac{1}{2},-\frac{1}{2},-1)$, with one participant expressing uncertainty about the GeoGebra command for projection.
  • One participant successfully retrieves the length of vector $v$ using the command Length[] in GeoGebra, while another participant reports confusion regarding the projection command.
  • A later reply suggests a formula for projection in GeoGebra as $(u \cdot v)/|v|^2 * v$, indicating it works for them.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the calculations of vector lengths and projections, but there is a disagreement regarding the interpretation of the angle between the vectors, with some advocating for the use of the dot product to determine a single angle.

Contextual Notes

There is an unresolved discussion about the appropriate method for determining the angle between vectors and the limitations of the cross product in this context. Additionally, there are uncertainties regarding the correct GeoGebra commands for vector projections.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

We have the vectors $v=i+j+2k=(1,1,2)$ and $u=-i-k=(-1,0,-1)$.

I have calculated the following:
\begin{align*}&|v|=\sqrt{1^2+1^2+2^2}=\sqrt{1+1+4}=\sqrt{6} \\ &|u|=\sqrt{(-1)^2+0^2+(-1)^2}=\sqrt{1+0+1}=\sqrt{2} \\ &v\cdot u=(1,1,2)\cdot (-1,0,-1)=1\cdot (-1)+1\cdot 0+2\cdot (-1)=-1+0-2=-3 \\ &u\times v=\begin{vmatrix}i & j & k\\ -1 & 0 & -1 \\ 1 & 1 & 2\end{vmatrix}=i+j-k=(1,1-1) \\ &v\times u=-(u\times v)=-i-j+k=(-1-1,1) \\ &|v\times u|=\sqrt{(-1)^2+(-1)^2+1^2}=\sqrt{1+1+1}=\sqrt{3} \end{align*}

As for the angle between $u$ and $v$ in radians we have:
\begin{align*}|u\times v|=|-(v\times u)|=|v\times u|=|v|\cdot |u|\cdot \sin \theta &\Rightarrow \sin \theta=\frac{|v\times u|}{|v|\cdot |u|}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{6}\cdot \sqrt{2}}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}\cdot \sqrt{2}\cdot \sqrt{2}}=\frac{1}{2} \\ & \Rightarrow \theta=2\pi n+\frac{\pi}{6} \ \text{ or } \ \theta=2\pi n+\frac{5\pi}{6}, \ n\in \mathbb{Z}\end{align*}

The vector projection of $u$ on $v$ is:
\begin{equation*}\frac{u\cdot v}{|v|^2}v=\frac{v\cdot u}{|v|^2}v=\frac{-3}{\sqrt{6}^2}(1,1,2)=\frac{-3}{6}(1,1,2)=-\frac{1}{2}(1,1,2)=\left (-\frac{1}{2},-\frac{1}{2},-1\right )\end{equation*} Is everything correct so far? (Wondering)
Now I want calculate all the above using Geogebra. I need a little help at this.

Firstly, we have the length of the vectors $u$ and $v$. I found a manual and there is the command Length[<vector>] but it didn't work, I must have done something wrong.
Could you help me? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
We have the vectors $v=i+j+2k=(1,1,2)$ and $u=-i-k=(-1,0,-1)$.

As for the angle between $u$ and $v$ in radians we have:
\begin{align*}|u\times v|=|-(v\times u)|=|v\times u|=|v|\cdot |u|\cdot \sin \theta &\Rightarrow \sin \theta=\frac{|v\times u|}{|v|\cdot |u|}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{6}\cdot \sqrt{2}}=\frac{\sqrt{3}}{\sqrt{3}\cdot \sqrt{2}\cdot \sqrt{2}}=\frac{1}{2} \\ & \Rightarrow \theta=2\pi n+\frac{\pi}{6} \ \text{ or } \ \theta=2\pi n+\frac{5\pi}{6}, \ n\in \mathbb{Z}\end{align*}

Hey mathmari!

Shouldn't we have 1 angle?
The angle between two vectors is usually defined as the unique shortest angle between them, which is between $0$ and $\pi$ radians.
Unfortunately the cross product does not allow us to distinguish whether the angle is bigger or smaller than $\frac\pi 2$. (Worried)

Perhaps we should use the dot product? (Wondering)

mathmari said:
The vector projection of $u$ on $v$ is:
\begin{equation*}\frac{u\cdot v}{|v|^2}v=\frac{v\cdot u}{|v|^2}v=\frac{-3}{\sqrt{6}^2}(1,1,2)=\frac{-3}{6}(1,1,2)=-\frac{1}{2}(1,1,2)=\left (-\frac{1}{2},-\frac{1}{2},-1\right )\end{equation*}

Is everything correct so far?

Yep. (Nod)

mathmari said:
Now I want calculate all the above using Geogebra. I need a little help at this.

Firstly, we have the length of the vectors $u$ and $v$. I found a manual and there is the command Length[<vector>] but it didn't work, I must have done something wrong.
Could you help me?

If I type [M]v=(1,1,2)[/M], I get the vector [M]v[/M].
And when I type [M]length(v)[/M] or [M]length((1,1,2))[/M], I get its length.
What do you get? (Thinking)
 
Klaas van Aarsen said:
Shouldn't we have 1 angle?
The angle between two vectors is usually defined as the unique shortest angle between them, which is between $0$ and $\pi$ radians.
Unfortunately the cross product does not allow us to distinguish whether the angle is bigger or smaller than $\frac\pi 2$. (Worried)

Perhaps we should use the dot product? (Wondering)

Ahh ok! Now I get only $\frac{5\pi}{6}$.
Klaas van Aarsen said:
If I type [M]v=(1,1,2)[/M], I get the vector [M]v[/M].
And when I type [M]length(v)[/M] or [M]length((1,1,2))[/M], I get its length.
What do you get? (Thinking)

Now I got everything but I got stuck at the projection. Is there a command for the projection in geogebra? (Wondering)
 
mathmari said:
Ahh ok! Now I get only $\frac{5\pi}{6}$.

Now I got everything but I got stuck at the projection. Is there a command for the projection in geogebra?

Good! (Happy)

There doesn't seem to be a command for a projection, but [M](u*v)/v^2 * v[/M] works for me.
It shows up as $w=\frac{u\,v}{v^2}v$. (Thinking)
 

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